O'Sullivan taken to brink of defeat

Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan fought back from the brink of defeat against qualifier Stephen Maguire to clinch a 10-9 victory in the first round of the world championship late on Saturday.

After a tight opening session, O'Sullivan held a 5-4 lead but Maguire in only his second appearance at the Crucible came back strongly and moved to within a frame of victory at 9-7.

The 24-year-old Scot was on course for a match-winning clearance in the 17th frame but a missed black proved crucial and Englishman O'Sullivan went on to win the frame and claim the next two to secure a thrilling victory.

O'Sullivan said he had been resigned to losing and once again placed a question mark against his future in the game.

"I was just quite happy to be going home and getting the season over with," said the world number one. "My heart's not been in it and I've been reflecting on my career.

"It's quite an isolated lifestyle and I've suffered a lot this season."

Maguire spoke of his "shock" at losing after going so close to causing a major upset.

He said: "I thought I'd won it but it was a twitch on the black and I never got a chance after that. I'm in shock and I don't know what to think because I should have won."

Other result: Alan McManus beat Drew Henry 10-9.