German Masters 2012 (Day 2) - The return of Rocket

Keeping the dream alive, Ronnie O'Sullivan

After Mark Allen performed a remarkable comeback in the match played against Tom Ford, on the after-noon session it was Ronnie O'Sullivan's turn to do the same as he was taking on a pretty determined and focused Andrew Higginson.

Joe Perry and Ali Carter engaged in a genuine battle of cues that saw all its frames being consumed, while “The Jester from Leicester” crashed China’s Liu Song 5-0 to book himself a very comfortable place in the Last 16 round.

When the mid-session interval kicked off it was fair to say O'Sullivan was no where in the arena...at leats not actively. One very focused and eager to win Andrew Higginson took the first four frames with runs of 67, 80, 35 and 21 to hold the Rocket on soil, 4-0.

Higginson - so close and yet so far away

But after the 15-minute break, O'Sullivan managed to pull back a frame with an 86 and steal another one after Higginson "tripped and fall" on a 63 by leaving a long red on. O'Sullivan retuned to the table for a 67 clearance that was reducing the gap at just two points, 2-4.

Another half century break and Ronnie was advancing up to 3-4, while an overcut black by Higginson was letting him in during the 8^th frame, frame that he won with a bit of help from a 66 break. It was 4-4. 

It took the two-time world champion no less than two visits to beat the man who had the victory in his hands, with runs of 56 and 48. Higginson's dream of moving forward was being crushed, while the Rocket was already on the orbit.

Joe wins in gentleman style

A bit of drama was also encountered between Ali Carter and Joe Perry who had a very thrilling match. The first part of it was clearly dominated by "The Gentleman" who was leading Carter 3-1 after firing in breaks of 94, 71 and 102.

But as the lads retuned into the arena, "The Captain" decided to leave out of his sleeve a few aces under the form of 89, 129 and 86. He was now in charge leading Perry 4-3.
However Joe didn't give up, winning a scrappy affair to draw level and also the next frame to clinch the victory at 5-4.

Clearer victories were obtained by Mark Selby who absolutely whitewashed Liu Song with breaks of 67, 104, 56 and 111 hit in the process, while the Welshman Matthew Stevens ended Craig Steadman’s German dream with runs of 80 and 42 and a final result of 5-1.

The evening continues from 7pm (UK time) with: