Ronnie O'Sullivan produced a typical rapid-fire performance to race into the second round of the Embassy World Championship in Sheffield today.
'The Rocket' returned to the Crucible arena 7-2 up on Andy Hicks - conqueror of Steve Davis in the qualifying round - and needed just over halfan hour to capture the three frames he needed to progress.
It was a display in stark contrast to that which the enigmatic world number four turned in at the same stage a year ago when he capitulated in ashock defeat by youngster David Gray.
O'Sullivan has won only one title this season, the Irish Masters, yet many experts believe he can go all the way and become world champion forthe first time.
"I definitely feelI can win the tournament," said O'Sullivan, who will face Dave Harold in the second round on Friday.
"I have everything needed to be the champion - all the ingredients are there. Motivation and will to win aren't a problem for me and I certainlyhave the bottle.
John Parrott, the 1991 champion, made a disastrous start againstCrucible debutant Michael Judge and lost the first three frames to the man whoousted Jimmy White in the final qualifying round.
Ken Doherty, Judge's fellow Dubliner, led Cheshire's Nick Dyson 6-3 and was on course to secure his second-round berth in tonight's concludingsession. PA