Ronnie O'Sullivan leads Judd Trump 9-7 in World Championship semi-final

Ronnie O'Sullivan opened up a slender two-frame advantage against Judd Trump after another high-quality second session of their Betfair World Championship semi-final.

The 37-year-old from Essex, who is aiming to win his fifth Crucible crown, took a 9-7 lead in the race to 17 ahead of Friday night's third session.

Both players showcased their full repertoires and continued to deliver to the highest order entertaining a packed audience, not least than in the final frame of the afternoon.

The game's two main box-office stars were tied at 4-4 overnight and defending champion O'Sullivan twice edged ahead only to be pegged back each time before the interval.

O'Sullivan rattled off three frames in a row after the resumption to pile the pressure on the left-handed Bristolian.
Response

The 'Rocket' responded to Trump's 30 with a quick-fire 43 in the 13th before producing a brilliant snooker on the green from which his opponent could not escape.

Seven became eight as O'Sullivan made a punishing 93 to the yellow before a run of 60 secured him the next.

However, the world No 3 managed to claw one back in the final frame of the afternoon as both players entertained the crowd with some high quality safety play.

And when O'Sullivan missed a routine green with the rest, Trump took advantage by clearing up.

Ricky Walden and Barry Hawkins resume their second session on Friday afternoon, with the former 6-2 ahead.