Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

A big two frames coming up for Ali Carter.

This match is already running away from him and he has had more than enough chances for the scoreline to be a lot different. That will be the most disappointing thing for him

Ronnie O'Sullivan is looking good among the balls as he reaches a half century.

This is likely to be another frame on the board for the seven-time world champion. It is, with an 85.

A 116 clearance puts Ding Junhui a frame away from the last 16.

If he overcomes Zak Surety, Ding will play 2023 champion Luca Brecel or Ryan Day in the next round.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has missed a load of long pots today but now knocks a red in comfortably and gets on the pink.

Not good news for Ali Carter.

Ali Carter is on a run of 38. His highest break so far is a mere 41.

A sizable contribution here would really help. He gets past the 50 mark and the frame is at his mercy but he then gets a red to the corner all wrong on 60.

It would be a huge blow for him to lose this frame but he again leaves a simple red for his opponent to get started.

O'Sullivan mops up all the balls and pinches another frame that he maybe ought to have lost.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

While Ronnie O'Sullivan versus Ali Carter is the main event on table one, Zak Surety, the world number 73, is producing a superb effort over on table two.

He started the day 6-3 behind against 2016 finalist Ding Junhui, but has won four of the six frames so far to pull it back to 8-7.

Surety earned a place on the World Snooker Tour in 2014 only to then drop off it in 2017. He got back on in 2020 and then lost it again in 2022, only to instantly regain his place through Q School.

After qualifying for the Crucible, Surety said it was "a dream come true" to play here, and he has already made four centuries in this match, the most by a debutant.

But all those years of hard work are paying off now with 10th seed Ding facing a real battle to advance.

Getting nervy over on table two.

Zak Surety is not going away and is one frame behind at 8-7 against world number 10 Ding Junhui.

The first to 10 frames goes through.

Ronnie O'Sullivan knocks in three reds and three blacks but then hits the knuckle of the left middle with his next shot.

Ali Carter is getting plenty of encouragement, but what can he do about it?

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Ali Carter is making it as comfortable as possible at the moment for Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Huge misjudgement from Ali Carter at the start of the sixth frame with a safety and he leaves Ronnie O'Sullivan with a starter to right corner.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

We have discussed the cue and the ferrule but the one thing that is obvious is that at distance Ronnie is spraying balls all over the place at the moment.

That can become quite debilitating when you lose confidence in your long game.

Ali Carter gets back within a frame after Ronnie O'Sullivan initially plays on but then decides enough is enough after conceding four points himself.

Image source, PA Media

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Ali Carter has been anything but convincing. He has had a handful of chances to win these frames.

Ali Carter can't get the job down but ekes out another chance when his opponent fails to knock in a long red.

He smacks a red into the middle but leaves a difficult pot on the green. His cue-ball control has been non existent at times today.

In goes the green, the next red and a yellow.

Ronnie O'Sullivan requires two four-point snookers.

Ali Carter is building up a useful lead in the first frame back after the mid-session interval.

Zak Surety has hit the most centuries - four - on a Crucible debut

But Ding Junhui has halted his opponent's momentum to go 8-6 ahead and is now two frames way from victory.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

All of the demons so to speak, the problems that players go through...Ronnie has probably been more candid than most.

The sanctuary is when you actually go out and play. Then you are free of all those shackles and free of the worries. You just play the shots in your natural state.

He'll be as happy as anyone to be out there in the middle as long as he is playing to a half decent standard. If it all goes wrong, that is a different story.

If you are not enjoying it don't play. You are not letting anyone down. It is your decision whether you compete or not and if you are not getting enough enjoyment from the game it is time to stop.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

Image source, Michael Emons

We're at the mid-session interval after seeing four thrilling frames so those after souvenirs may be heading to the merchandise stands.

Fancy an 'I love snooker' T-shirt or teddy bear? Well, you're in luck as there are plenty of goodies to buy, including, clothing, caps, mugs, fridge magnets, pens, pins, pictures, jumpers and much, much more.

Image source, Michael Emons

Image source, Michael Emons

Snooker is played in almost complete silence. This unwritten rule allows players to maintain their highest level of concentration.

That means no clapping or shouting out as players are taking a shot.

We take a look at why 'quiet, please' is so important., external

Image source, Getty Images

Six-time former champion Steve Davis referenced Ronnie O'Sullivan's first World Championship maximum, a little earlier.

His 147 against Mick Price in 1997, was 28 years ago, yesterday.

How time flies eh. Oh and he's done it twice more since.