Ronnie O’Sullivan aims dig at Hossein Vafaei sets Arnie goal and dons glasses after beating Dave Gilbert

Ronnie O’Sullivan was in playful mood after beating Dave Gilbert in the first round of the World Snooker Championship, saying he would like to not match Stephen Hendry’s Crucible record, aiming for a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger, putting on a pair of glasses and having a pop at Hossein Vafaei.

The Rocket was in good form in a high quality match against Gilbert, who had taken a 3-0 lead before the six-time world champ started to turn it on.

The 46-year-old made three centuries and the Angry Farmer did little wrong, but could not stop the relentless march to victory for the Rocket.

In the post-match chat, O’Sullivan was quick to dismiss talk of a Hendry record-equalling seventh world title this year, not wanting to wind up Vafaei, who sensationally claimed pre-tournament that the Rocket is bad for snooker and should retire.

‘You should know now I’m not really bothered about records and such like that,’ O’Sullivan told the BBC. ‘Everyone talking about the seventh, Hendry’s record, but he was a hero of mine, I’d actually quite like him to keep one of them records.

‘I’ve got enough records. I won’t start going on about them or Hossein Vafaei might get the hump.

‘I’ll stay humble and say I’m here to enjoy my snooker, have some fun and enjoy the ride.’

Shaun Murphy looks back on how near 30-year rivalry with Stephen Maguire began

Ronnie O'Sullivan responds to Hossein Vafaei saying he should retire

Williams talks World Championship contenders and getting 'cheesed off' by O'Sullivan loss

Next in the firing line of the Rocket was World Snooker Tour, who he thanked for ‘making his life hell’ which has allowed him to focus on other pursuits away from the sport.

‘I’ve been on great form for the last six or seven years. I just want to thank