Image source, PA Media

Hold the presses, Ronnie O'Sullivan isn't perfect.

His break-off in the third frame would make many a club player blush with embarrassment.

It leaves a fairly easy opener for Ding Junhui who, once again, is right in among the balls. Can he put the disappointment of frame two behind him and convert this chance?

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

On Ronnie O'Sullivan bidding to extend his current record of 21 Triple Crown tournament wins:

You only play the tournament that you're in, I don't think Ronnie thinks about numbers. After he's won it, he's proud of what he's achieved and he knows what he's achieved. He definitely appreciates the magnitude of what he's done in his career.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Stephen [Hendry] and myself did most of our damage in a 10-year period.

What is astonishing is that Ronnie O'Sullivan is doing amazing clearances like that in major finals at the age of almost 48.

Image source, PA Media

A 71 clearance from Ronnie O'Sullivan. Masterful stuff from the master.

Once Ding missed on 63, you always feared for him - you just can't make any mistake against the Rocket, especially when the balls are all nicely in the open.

The Rocket has scored 36 in the blink of an eye - he tries to develop the final red from the cushion but it doesn't work.

It has to be a double to the middle... and it's in! Real chance now, just the colours to clear, although the pink is off its spot.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

This would be a big blow for Ding so early in this final, should Ronnie go on to win this frame. This would really hurt.

Oh dear, that message has been lost in translation, Dennis.

Ding has missed a relatively routine pink to middle and Ronnie O'Sullivan has a real chance to counter-attack. 63-0 down but 67 on...

Dennis Taylor
1985 world champion on BBC Two

What a message Ding could send out to Ronnie O'Sullivan if he can win this frame at this visit.

Image source, PA Media

This is the perfect opportunity for China's GOAT to level things up.

Black on its spot, reds nicely placed. He's nearing a half century visit already.

Nicholas Walker: I do worry, once Ronnie retires, snooker will have lost its poster boy. You just don't have the same characters any more.

Pawley: O’Sullivan in full swing is one of the finest sights in all of sports, like watching a prime Federer cut a tennis court up.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

That's the response you want - a great opening red.

Ding Junhui needs a good response in this second frame after being shut out of the opener.

And he starts well - firing in a long red and he's nicely positioned around the black spot to do some damage.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

That was a very intimidating frame for Ding to watch. Ronnie wasn't in perfect position two or three shots in a row, but the potting was unbelievable.

If you're sat in your chair watching that, you're thinking "I've got to play well here".

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Image source, PA Media

Even Ronnie’s scrappy frames are brilliant.

That’s why he never gets bogged down in slow matches - even his B game is so fluent and he clears the table so quickly.

First frame in the bag for the Rocket, just a question of whether he can make a century break to really get off this final off to a barnstorming start...

Nope, he misses a tricky red on 71 but Ding loses that opening frame without scoring a point.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

Ronnie's had a few chances but he looks very sharp indeed. He's potted some very tricky balls and that's always a good sign. That'll give him a lot of confidence.

O'Sullivan runs out of position - but Ding's attempted safety again leaves a decent opportunity to pot a red from distance.

And the Rocket sinks it. Can he make this third visit to the table count? Already 45-0 up and counting. Sloppy start from Ding.

He turns 48 in two days - yet Ronnie O'Sullivan is once again here in a Triple Crown final, the 30th of his long and illustrious career.

It begs the question, just how much longer can the Rocket keep playing at the pinnacle of his sport? Age just seems a number to him.

Of course, he has the odd run-in with the game's bosses and often threatens to quit - but he's still around, more than 30 years after turning professional.

Let us know your thoughts on the GOAT, today's final and anything else snooker-related via the methods above.

Image source, Getty Images

Just 14 for O'Sullivan as he unintentionally flicks off a red in potting the blue and runs out of position.

But Ding's attempt at a difficult red to the middle goes wrong and he leaves it right over the yellow pocket.

Ronnie back in for a second chance...

Of course, the Rocket strokes it in like it was over the pocket - and he's nicely on the black.

Early chance to make inroads right off the bat.