OSullivan Closing in on the World Snooker title

Ronnie O'Sullivan won the final three frames of a scrappy evening session to extend his lead over Ali Carter in the World Championship final in Sheffield.

Leading 6-2 after the opening session, O'Sullivan started well enough and a 78 break increased his advantage.

But he got bogged down as both players made mistakes and despite an 86 to make the score 8-3, Carter reduced the deficit with breaks of 76 and 80.

O'Sullivan though, ended with runs of 57 and 106 to lead 11-5 overnight.

The 32-year-old, who has only shown glimpses of the scintillating form that defeated Stephen Hendry in the last four, needs to win just seven more frames to secure his third world title.

Carter, playing in his first world final, will be disappointed that he has not made more of an impression against an opponent who has not been firing on all cylinders.

O'Sullivan made the perfect start to the evening session and with Carter missing a red into the green pocket, he rattled off a break of 78 to go 7-2 ahead.

Read First Days Match Report At The BBC Snooker Website

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 11-5 Ali Carter (Eng)

81-56 127-0 (88) 99-4 (99) 0-104 (104) 86-4 (74) 62-76 65-18 73-0 78-0 (78) 36-60 86-8 (86) 28-93 (76) 45-80 (80) 126-0 (86) 77-32 (57) 110-5 (106)

Continues Monday at 1430 & 2000 BST