Allen, who beat former world champ Stuart Bingham in the semis, gets us going int the second. He stands to attention while Ronnie lines up his first, but is on the seat of his pants when a red disappears into the bottom left corner. Applause. Allen might not get another shot...

Finally. It was tense, nervy and error-strewn but, eventually, it's Mark Allen sipping his water a frame to the good.

This must be it. Error from O'Sullivan, miss called as the booms into the black. He's back on his chair like a man who knows this frame is done.

Blue, pink and black to sink...

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at the York Barbican

Image source, Rex Features

Grabbed a quick chat with today's referee Marcel Eckardt, who is taking charge of his first Triple Crown event final.

At 29, the German is also one of the youngest referees to officiate a major showpiece event.

"I am very excited and it is very special, it is a great honour for me," he said. "Doing this one in York is great because the place holds good memories for me.

"We will have a good final today, O'Sullivan always guarantees that, but there are two quick-fire players, they don't hang around so I am looking forward to it."

There are flecks of chalk on the green baize around the pink spot. They look like comets streaking across the night sky. Safety battle under way, both players trying to use the green and brown that are lined up in the D.

They look like comfy socks. Is that Fight Club I can see in the trio of DVDs? What a film.

Hopefully this isn't a sign of a scrappy final. More misses than a carnival shooting gallery. If you're playing O'Sullivan Bingo, mark off the first left-handed shot. The error on a black was very much right-handed, though. Allen, green waistcoat, can't take advantage with a missed red off the rest.

Nerves? Allen's turn to make things difficult for himself, resulting in a black missed in the right corner. You'd be surprised if Ronnie fails twice. Expect this one to be in the books very soon.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

It's gonna be a really exciting final. I think Mark Allen will pull up to Ronnie. His last few opponent's really haven't really put him under any pressure. It's important that Mark Allen makes a good start.

I think Ronnie been so determined and so focused this week. He's been playing some good stuff this week. He hasn't played at his imperious best but still his 'b game' is so good.

His long game and all-round game has improved and that must be down to his new coach.

Out of position, end of break. That's a real missed chance from O'Sullivan - the reds were lined up obediently and the blcak hanging loose like a toddler without a nappy. Red to right middle rattles out, Allen gifted the opoortunity for first blood.

Loose to begin with. Mark Allen might have an excuse - he went through the wringer in a final-frame semi with Stuart Bingham last night. O'Sullivan unusually slides off the reds to hole the cue ball, but, when given the chance, a long red has him in the balls for a frame-winning opportunity.

Alan McManus
Former Masters champion

O'Sullivan had a tough game against Ken Doherty, having to come from behind, but other than that is has been plain sailing, the difference in his game now is that he doesn't just want to score and entertain, he does the dark arts well too.

Against Tom Ford in the semis, he played the match at 20 seconds per shot - that is pedestrian for him. He is taking his time, he is scanning everything and not giving an inch. In the past he would play shot willy-nilly and not concentrate, that is not happening anymore.

When you add his talent into the effort he puts in, it is a tough combination for an opponent.

Here we go then. The players have been given a rousing reception, not least when O'Sullivan emerged to the Oasis banger Rock n Roll Star.

It's the Rocket who has had the honour in the first frame.

Image source, BBC Sport

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

You could call Ronnie snooker's Benjamin Button. He's getting better and better into his 40's.

He's fitter than anyone else. He's got that enthusiasm to get better. He's always searching for new techniques and has got a new coach. As long as you still have that enthusiasm to practice you're always going to get better.

And, as ever, you can get involved as you watch the drama unfold. Text 81111 or tweet using the hashtag #bbcsnooker., external Let me know where you're following from. Extra points if you're near a snooker table of your own, or manage to fashion something from anything you can lay your hands on.

Alan McManus
Former Masters champion

This is O'Sullivan's date with destiny, how much that plays on his mind is hard to see. He is good at brushing these things aside but it is a massive day for him.

Mark Allen will give him a big game today, he is a sort of boy that will puff his chest out and really put it to him, he will go head-to-head in every way out there. Not just on the table but he will stare O'Sullivan in the eye and give him a stern look.

There won't be any friendly banter out there, this is one both players badly want to win.

BBC Two

Not long to wait, then. We're already live on BBC Two, so you catch watch on the box or at the top of this page.

It's a drama in two parts - eight frames this afternoon, 11 if needed tonight. First to 10 takes the whole darn shooting match.