Ronnie O’Sullivan further closed in on becoming the first ever player to make 1,000 century breaks in professional snooker after a dominant display at the Masters.

The five-times world champion and seven times Masters winner easily booked his place in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 victory over Stuart Bingham at London’s Alexander Palace.

Fresh from his stunning UK Championship victory last month, O’Sullivan made breaks of 59, 96, 134, 111, 60 and 66 in the first round match which was watched by around 2,000 people.

The Rocket has now made a career total of 988 centuries meaning he is just twelve away from the elusive landmark – an achievement which is destined to be fulfilled sooner rather than later.

Ronnie O’Sullivan. Picture by Monique Limbos

He next faces Ryan Day who yesterday won a final frame decider to beat John Higgins.

Meanwhile, China’s number one Ding Junhui also enjoyed a convincing win on the second day of the Masters after thrashing debutant Jack Lisowski.

Lisowski found himself guilty of missing pots he should really have put away and he was duly punished by Ding looking to win his first Masters title since 2011.

Ding Junhui. Picture by Monique Limbos

Ding won 6-1 to set up a quarter-final battle against Luca Brecel who caused a major surprise on Sunday by beating defending champion Mark Allen.

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