That chance lasts mere seconds as O'Sullivan's attempt to break a few reds free goes awry and he has to play safe.

Here's that very chance.

Judd Trump comes so close to a long red but misses and it bounces off the jaws, across the table to the far corner and up and over the middle pocket.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Ronnie only needs one chance and if he does get one you feel he'll convert it. If you don't take it then you can start digging a hole for yourself and it can feel inevitable that your opponent will come back at you.

But it doesn't seem like it'll happen to Ronnie O'Sullivan because he's as hard as nails.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at the Crucible Theatre

One of the best sources of information in the Crucible is the Almanac, that has all the facts and figures from previous tournaments.

And how about this one...

If Ronnie O'Sullivan can finish off with a century it will bring up his 200th at the Crucible and also draw him level with Mark Williams and Stephen Hendry on 16 for the most tons in a single tournament.

Image source, BBC Sport

Talking of tons by the way...

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

Another fabulous century from Judd Trump, showing great character. He's working on the theory that if it's round he's going to have a go at it.

Ton for Trumppublished at 20:40 British Summer Time 2 May 2022

20:40 BST 2 May 2022

O'Sullivan 17-13 Trump

A 109 break for Judd Trump - and the 109th century of this year's tournament.

On a night where records can be broken, there's one already - surpassing the previous mark of 108 set in last year's competition.

This frame is in the bag.

Judd Trump ain't going anywhere.

Chance of a century too.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

All Trump can do is pot balls, avoid the unforced errors and see where it takes him.

One of the reasons I said Judd has to play perfect snooker is because I believe the first chance Ronnie gets to win this title, he'll take it.

Judd Trump finally has to concede safety is the best option after a series of very difficult pots - but he has a 42-0 lead after Ronnie O'Sullivan fouls.

And the Rocket leaves a free ball.

Huge chance to reduce the deficit for Trump.

Image source, Getty Images

Talha: Making Stephen Hendry commentate on Ronnie O’Sullivan possibly equalling his record is so perfect and so cruel at the same time.

An audible sigh from Judd Trump.

He's potted a lovely long red to start this first frame after the mid-session interval.

But a slightly heavy contact on the second red leaves a tough black. He gets it - and then nails a very tough cut on a red too.

He's going for everything now.

Here we go. For the final time this year, the players are back out in the Crucible arena.

Is it a matter of when, not if, for Ronnie O'Sullivan's quest for that record-equalling seventh modern-era world title?

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at the Crucible Theatre

There are a number of happy print journalists sat in the Crucible press room and not because they have any favouritism towards Ronnie O'Sullivan.

With print deadlines for Tuesday at around 22:00 BST, the longer this match goes on the more nervous they will become of hitting them.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

He's playing in a field of players far stronger than in previous generations and that's why he's needed more years to maybe match Stephen Hendry's seven titles.

The longevity of his career is incredible because it didn't happen for me and it didn't happen for Stephen either.

I think it is remarkable what he has achieved. There have been peaks and troughs along the way but he has done brilliantly well to cope with everything. He is the person everyone wants to ask questions of but he has the talent.

The pressure he withstands is astonishing.

Billo: Ronnie O'Sullivan playing the type of free flowing snooker that, if it were a tap, would be incredibly hard to turn off. Even if you could, would you really want to? Just imperious and magical viewing.

Stephen Nichols: This is as focused a Ronnie I've seen in years. That's just about wrapped up world title number seven. Superb to watch.

Bob: Been reluctant to call Ronnie the GOAT as despite everything I thought he needed the world titles to surpass Hendry He'll get seven tonight though so happy to say he's the greatest snooker player I've seen. A genius, been a pleasure watching him.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at the Crucible Theatre

Judd Trump showed a lot of character this afternoon but things haven't quite worked out for the 32-year-old this evening. He is very much in last-chance saloon when play resumes.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

You will never see anyone like him again. He's the best player I've ever seen. His cue ball control is at another level. He's on another level to anyone who has played this game.

He's also got the application and the appetite. Don't listen to him saying he doesn't practice. He is in the club grafting like a Trojan, he puts the hours in and he wants to win.

Image source, Getty Images

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion on BBC Two

I remember speaking with Ronnie when he got to three world titles and he said he would never be able to get to Stephen Hendry’s record.

I said you’ve got to be joking.

It just looks a matter of time now after the mid-session interval.

So, Ronnie O'Sullivan wins the mini-session 3-1 and this is surely a formality the way he is playing now.

Judd Trump needs to win six straight frames to deny the Rocket snooker immortality.