How must it feel to be in Mark Allen's position? Basically, you know that four mistakes and you could be toast. Maybe not even that many if O'Sullivan has his potting boots on. Speaking of which, the Rocket is already into his work....

Shippy: Ready to witness greatness. The best EVER. Period. O'Sullivan will do the business tonight. There's nobody that can match him. Up there with the greatest sportsmen in history!

Image source, PA

Here we go. The first of a potential 11 this evening. So far, the match has gone just under two hours. I reckon if we go the distance, we might still be here into the early hours of tomorrow...

An absolute roar as Ronnie O'Sullivan reappears. However, let's take a minute to appreciate Mark Allen's walk-on music - Free From Desire by Gala. You just don't hear enough of that kind of 90s dance any more.

Image source, PA

And, in the festive season, the goodwill can be shared. Let's get connected - either through the hashtag #bbcsnooker or by texting 81111. See it as sending me a Christmas card.

BBC Two

If you really are just joining us, I suppose I'll let you off. And, as it's Christmas, I'll even let you know that you can watch every single point here and on BBC Two. Coverage from York is live right now. NOW!

What do you mean you missed what happened this afternoon? Christmas shopping? Isn't that all done online?

Ronnie O'Sullivan took a 6-2 lead over Mark Allen and is only four away from a record seventh UK Championship.

Is it all over bar the champagne?

I see what's happening here. You couldn't stay away, could you? Yes, it's Strictly semi-final night, but who wants a boring old semi when there's a final to be won?

Get yourself have a brew, have a breather. We'll be back for the conclusion from 19:00 GMT. If you have tips for stopping a Rocket, send them to Mr M Allen at the York Barbican.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Ronnie O'Sullivan is in the comfort zone. He is playing such good snooker that he can win with his 'b game'. It's only when a player plays at his very best, that they are possibly able to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan.

What a great situation that is to be in, your 'b game' is good enough to win on most days.

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Five frames in a row is a worrying run for Mark Allen. We talk about momentum a lot and it works even more in long frame matches. He was unlucky in that final frame.

They'll go again at 19:00 GMT tonight. If you're Mark Allen, what do you do between now and then? My advice would be to watch Home Alone. The Christmas Classic is on the telly at 16:50.

Clinical. Mark Allen offers hand to Ronnie O'Sullivan, when secretly he'd probably prefer to give him a mallet to the head. The defending champion has won five frames on the spin to lead 6-2. If he carries on like this, we will not be going deep into the night.

O'Sullivan will take his afternoon tea four frames to the good.

One red needed. Drop it in the bottom left...

Silence, bar the clink, clink, plunk of ball in pocket. 24 ahead, 59 remaining.

O'Sullivan is in a black shirt, bow tie and waistcoat. He sees routes to pockets where the rest of us see traffic jams. Another long-haul journey, another sweet landing at the intended destination. All of a sudden, the table opens like a flower in springtime.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

He's really under it in this frame, he doesn't want to go 6-2 behind so all the pressure is on Mark Allen.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Mark said to us last night that he thinks he is playing rubbish.

If he was playing confident and well, the fact he has had long matches wouldn't matter. The fact that he isn't 100% confident in his game, together with having tough matches, might be starting to take it's toll.

Is there something (or someone) in there, holding these balls up? Now O'Sullivan has one peering over the ledge. Heart-stopping moments in what is a humongous frame.