Ronnie O'Sullivan opens up commanding lead over Stephen Maguire, Mark Williams 6-2 up on Yan Bingtao

Ronnie O’Sullivan built a commanding lead in his World Championship quarter-final against Stephen Maguire after a scrappy first session. Both players missed opportunities throughout at the Crucible and there were only four breaks over 50. Ad/> O’Sullivan made three of those – 54, 70 and 123 – and leads 6-2 as he aims to move a step closer to a record-equalling seventh world title.

World Championship'Incredible!' — Disbelief at 'crazy' situation during O'Sullivan quarter-final3 HOURS AGO Even though he dug deep to win the last frame, Maguire may wonder how he is so far behind in the match after looking in good positions on several occasions. The Scot opened with a fine long red with his first shot of the match but saw his break end at 41. O'Sullivan takes lead over Maguire — as it happened Lisowski reveals Ukraine inspiration after Robertson win A lengthy safety battle left all the reds end up clustered in one corner and three colours in another corner.

Eventually O’Sullivan conceded after he rolled the white into the middle pocket. O’Sullivan appeared to be having trouble with his cue tip and left the arena during the second frame to get it fixed. Maguire spurned a good chance to move 2-0 ahead when he missed a simple red to the corner and O’Sullivan took advantage to level.

Both players passed up opportunities in a disjointed third frame which O’Sullivan won 78-45. /> Maguire then failed to pot a red with the rest at 55-0 ahead in the next frame and watched on as O’Sullivan pinched it with a break of 70. O’Sullivan continued to edge the contest after the mid-session interval despite not looking in his best form.