O’Sullivan trails but fights back with a flourish

Carter has edge in bid to progress in pursuit of snooker’s greatest prize

Ronnie O’Sullivan trails Ali Carter 9-7 in their Betfred World Championship second-round match.

O’Sullivan, who beat Carter in the final in 2008 and 2012, is seeking a sixth Crucible title.

However, he went into the second session of their best-of-25-frame contest 5-3 down and his chances of progress were not helped as he lost the first three frames.

Although O’Sullivan ended the poor run by winning the next two, he was far from his fluent best and Carter made him pay with a break of 51 to go 9-5 ahead.

However, O’Sullivan finished with a flourish, as breaks of 79 and 105 saw him reduce the deficit to two frames again. The pair resume their match this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Mark Allen became the first player to book his place in the quarter-finals with a 13-8 victory over Joe Perry.

The pair resumed at 8-8 after Perry – first-round conqueror of defending champion Mark Selby – overturned a 5-3 deficit.

However, Allen took control of the contest by winning the first four frames of the evening, with breaks of 133 and 74 helping his cause.

He wrapped up victory up with a clearance of 122.

Masters champion Allen will face either Kyren Wilson or Jamie Jones next.

That match will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wilson established a 5-3 advantage over Jamie Jones.

Earlier, Lyu Haotian hit back from an 8-3 deficit to trail Barry Hawkins 9-7 in their best-of-25-frame encounter.

Both matches are due to resume this morning.

Picture: PA. Ronnie O’Sullivan was far from his best but is just two frames behind.

Picture: PA. Mark Allen became the first player to book his place in the quarter-finals.