THE ROCKET TAKES COFF

No stopping Ronnie as he takes a giant stride towards last 16

- SHANE MacDERMOTT

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN announced himself at this year's World Championship as he put one foot into the last 16.

The Rocket, 48, saw seven top seeds fall by the wayside before his bid for a record eighth Crucible crown even got underway in Sheffield.

But the world No.1 stamped his authority at the sport's spiritual home as the old master slapped down young pretender Jackson Page (right) 8-1 in their opening session.

The title favourite's stunning start came on a day when fellow contender Mark Allen also sunk his teeth into his own title tilt with a routine 10-6 victory over Robbie Williams.

There has been plenty of anticipation surrounding O'Sullivan's Crucible charge and it was well worth the wait.