Ronnie O’Sullivan marked his long-awaited return to the competitive Snooker claiming a close 5-4 lead over Ali Carter after the opening session of their first round of the World Championship on the fourth day at Crucible theater on Tuesday.

Playing in his 32nd world championship – a record with which he shares Steve Davis – World Champion seven times showed ignition of his steady brightness Despite a long absence from the tournament.

O’Sullivan49, had not played a professional match since January, when a disappointing form of form reached its peak by grabbing his suggestion and rejecting him after four losses in five matches in the Championship League.

That dramatic moment was followed by a magic away from the competition, during which O’Sullivan withdrew from some major events, including prestigious masters, Wales Open and Grand Prix.

He mentioned the need to focus on his health and well -being, saying later that simply returning to crucible was “an achievement in itself” between constant mental health challenges.

ANTI holderO’Sullivan initially looked rusty, losing the opening frame. However, he quickly settled in rhythm, producing an excellent rest of his 107th century 1,283 in professional game and his 208 in crucible, both expanding records that can never be affected.

This effort helped him create a 3-1 lead.

He appeared ready to extend his advantage further with another century, just to lose a direct red at 85.

A chance to close the session with a two-frame pillow crashed when, at 46-5 up in the ninth frame, O’Sullivan lost a long red. Carter withdrew to grab the frame and limit the damage Heading to the final session of Wednesday afternoon (15:30 cet).

O’Sullivan is looking to break new ground by winning an eighth world title – something no player has reached in the modern era.

His current seven carriage of the world crown connects it with Stephen Hendrywhose predominance of 1990 once seemed untouchable.

If the O’Sullivan raises the trophy again this year, he would clearly move as the most decorated player in the crucified history.

Murphy growing up

Elsewhere, former world champion Shaun Murphy produced a clinical show against Crucible’s debutant Daniel Wellscompeting in a 7-2 command lead after their opening session.

Murphy, who famously won his first world title 20 years ago in 2005, watched every inch a serious contender again, 63, 100, 57, 138 and 76 to take control of the match.

Wells, who fought through the three rounds of qualification to reach the main phase, briefly shone with the 131st and 109th centuries, but the mistakes – including a black lost in the last frame – allowed Murphy to punish it ruthlessly with an 89 break.

Murphy needs only three more frames when they resume Wednesday morning (11:00 cet).

After claiming the title of masters in January, Murphy is making offers to become the first player since JUDD Trump In 2018/19 to win both Masters and World Championships in the same season.

Talking about Trump, the number one world started his crucified campaign on Tuesday eveningfacing a complicated opening clash against Zhou Yuelong, China. At the end of the day, Trump is leading 6-3.

Trump, who raised the title in 2019, enters the favorite of the bookstore, but will know the dangers of a sharp opponent early.

In other results, China Ding junhui Reserved his country in the last 16 years with a 10-7 win over Zak Surety.

Ding, a finalist three times in The Crucible, maintained a 6-2 overnight advantage, but had to come a multitude of Suraty, who compiled four centuries – 104, 109, 136 and 110 – in five frames in an inspired attack.

Meanwhile, the 10th Chinese seed Zhang Anda runs compatriot Pang Junxu 5-3 after their opening session, though their match will end on Wednesday morning after running shortly after the time.