World Snooker Championship: Yan Bingtao survives scare to progress, faces world’s best Trump in round 2
- Chinese number two loses five frames in a row during the final session but eventually seals a 10-7 victory
- Crucible debutant Slesson mounts spirited fightback from 9-2 down
Crucible debutant Elliot Slesson gave Yan an almighty fright in the final session as he forced his way back into the match after going 9-2 behind.
The world No 16 Yan eventually secured his passage to the last-16 after an attritional 36-minute long 17th frame. He will face the world number one and defending champion Judd Trump on Thursday.
“I was getting a bit nervous near the end and I was very glad to win when I did,” said Asian number two Yan. “If I had lost the last frame we would have had to come off at 9-8 and I did not want to come back later in the evening.”
Earlier, Crucible great Ronnie O’Sullivan fired off a warning to his second round opponent Ding Junhui when he broke a World Championship record to complete his 10-1 demolition of Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in just 108 minutes.
The “Rocket” won in just 30 minutes after resuming the match on Monday. He averaged a remarkable 14 seconds per shot during the encounter.
O’Sullivan said he was relishing performing in front of an empty auditorium at the hallowed Crucible Theatre.
“I prefer it,” said the former world number one. “I don’t have to deal with the pressure and expectation of the crowd, getting in and out of the venue, and so much less is put on my shoulders.
“It feels like a holiday buzz and I can stay in a hotel close to the venue. Previously, it has been difficult for me to get any peace and quiet.
“I am very private, and I don’t socialise much. Everybody is welcome to my world now, it suits my life.”
O’Sullivan’s second round clash against Ding gets under way on Friday.
