RONNIE'S CALLING FOR QUIET

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN is trying to “silence the voices” inside his head as he bids for a record eighth World Championship.

- BY SHANE MACDERMOTT

The Rocket, 49, opened up a 6-2 overnight advantage over Chinese qualifier Pang Junxu in their second-round showdown yesterday at the Crucible Theatre.

O'Sullivan returned to the sport on the game's biggest stage after a three-month hiatus due to bouts of self doubt.

Snooker's greatest showman knocked in six breaks over 50 as he continued his charge in the first session of this best-of-25-frame clash.