Ronnie O’Sullivan showed his class after surviving a scare at the International Championship.
The seven-time world champion beat Mink Nutcharut 6-3 in Nanjing, China on Sunday morning.
Ronnie O’Sullivan made a classy gesture after beating Mink Nutcharut on Sunday[/caption]
He had to recover from losing the opening frame and a spirited fight back from the highest ranked women’s player in the world.
Thailand’s Nutcharut won back-to-back frames to reduce O’Sullivan’s lead to 4-3 before he closed out the match.
The Rocket sealed victory with a 132 break as he booked his place in round two.
He will face He Guoqiang on Monday for a spot in the last 32 of the tournament.
O’Sullivan also made a classy gesture after beating Nutcharut, with the pair shaking hands inside the arena.
The world number five then urged the crowd to applaud his beaten opponent.
Speaking afterwards, O’Sullivan explained: “An absolute privilege to play such a talented opponent. Thank you for the game and good luck in the future.”
Nutcharut is currently the world’s best female cueist, with a world ranking of 113.
Their match had also been disrupted by several delays due to safety concerns.
The contest was suspended as spectators crammed into the South New City National Fitness Centre in Nanjing.
The Rocket beat the women’s world number one 6-3 at the International Championship[/caption]
O’Sullivan urged the crowd to applaud Nutcharut after their first round match[/caption]
Sunday marked the first day of the tournament, which runs until the final on November 10.
Players are competing for a share of the £825,000 prize fund, which includes £175,000 for the winner.
A £5,000 bonus is also on offer for the highest break of the tournament.
Despite his two centuries against Nutcharut, O’Sullivan is not currently in line for the bonus.
Matthew Stevens instead leads the way with a 140 in his second round win over Simon Blackwell.
