Ronnie O’Sullivan makes short work of Jackson Page to reach last 16 at Crucible

The seven-time world champion claimed an emphatic 10-1 victory

Ronnie O’Sullivan (pictured) sealed an emphatic win over Jackson Page (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Ronnie O’Sullivan required just 40 minutes on Thursday to seal his place in the second round of the World Snooker Championship with a 10-1 win over Jackson Page.

Resuming 8-1 in front after a dominant opening session on Wednesday, the world number one duly swept up the two frames required to book a last-16 clash with Ryan Day.

His victory was the 48-year-old’s most emphatic at the Crucible since his 10-1 triumph over Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at the same stage four years ago.

Page, who had been restricted to just a hint of his promise when he racked up a 142 total clearance in the seventh frame on Wednesday, returned with his fate effectively sealed.

The 22-year-old was once again punished for running out of position in the opener, as O’Sullivan stepped up to take it with a break of 79, and more mistakes in the second wrapped up a quickfire win for the seven-time champion.