O'SULLIVAN EXIT THE BIG STORY
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A memorable day's play at the Crucible on Wednesday
featured the exit of pre-tournament favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The 'Rocket' set the Crucible alight on Tuesday with his 147 break, worth
£169,000.
But he returned with a 6-3 deficit to make up against Hong Kong's Marco Fu and
failed to recover, going down 10-6.
O'Sullivan had been rated the 5/2 favourite by on-site bookmakers Ladbrokes
but his defeat leaves seven-times champion Stephen Hendry at 3/1 as the shortest
priced player in the field.
Hendry returns to the fray against his fellow Scot Drew Henry when the second
round gets underway today.
The name of Jimmy White will also feature in the last 16 draw after the
perennial crowd favourite fought from 6-3 down to beat Thai number one James
Wattana 10-6.
Matthew Stevens, the 2000 runner-up, is also through after he defeated LG Cup
champion Chris Small 10-3.
Paul Hunter looks set to provide the second round opposition for Stevens after
coasting into an 8-1 first session lead over Crucible debutant Ali Carter.
And another first-timer, Preston's Stuart Pettman, was in trouble after
falling 7-2 adrift to world number two Mark Williams, who captured the title
three years ago.
Williams, who came to Sheffield at the top of the provisional rankings, looks
certain to regain the number one spot he lost 12 months ago providing he avoids
defeat to Pettman.
He will face Australian Quinten Hann for a quarter-final place if he gets
through.
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