RONNIE O’Sullivan sealed his place in the second round of the World Champinship after clinching a hard-fought victory over David Gilbert – but it may come at a price.

The five-times world champion could face disciplinary action by snooker’s governing body the WPBSA after he failed to do media interviews following his 10-7 win over the Staffordshire potter.

Ronnie O’Sullivan. Picture by Monique Limbos

A statement from World Snooker said O’Sullivan could face disciplinary trouble.

O’Sullivan was made to work hard for his place in the last 16 as Gilbert, who reached the International Championship final earlier this season, showed impressive form despite defeat.

The Rocket, who is bidding for a sixth World Championship crown, will next meet Zhang Anda or Barry Hawkins who he beat to win his last world title three years ago.

Meanwhile, four-time champion John Higgins forged a 7-2 lead over Ryan Day. Scotland’s Higgins looked in fine form as he compiled breaks of 105, 79, 100, 77 and 105.

Fellow former world champion Mark Williams made comfortable work of his first round tie after beating Graeme Dott 10-4 but there was no such joy for fellow Welsh star Michael White who suffered an early exit losing 10-7 to Sam Baird.

For qualifier Baird, victory over White was his first ever at the Crucible.

Elsewhere, world number one Mark Selby took pole position of his first round match against Robert Milkins taking a 7-2 lead going into Tuesday’s concluding session and former semi-finalist Ricky Walden dug deep to beat Robbie Williams 10-8.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos