An Amazon documentary released last month, Ronnie O'Sullivan: The Edge of Everything, offers a unique insight into the snooker legend's "hurt and suffering" alongside his most magical moments.

if you haven't checked it out already, do your best to do so - you can read more about the programme in Ciaran Varley's article for BBC Sport here.

Image source, Ronnie O'Sullivan - The Edge of Everything

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Image source, PA Media

Ronnie's freedom of cueing in tense situations is a very important asset - he's always had the ability to maintain his rhythm.

So even if he has a scrappy frame that goes wrong - for example he gave in that frame when he could have tried for snookers, he decided rightly or wrongly, to concede and get on with it.

If it was another player we might be criticising them for that but then once he's among the balls in the next couple of frames, it looks like it's the right decision.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

We've said it about Ding all week, he's been very resilient and he's dug in. There's a lot of snooker left in this match yet.

He'll be disappointed to be 7-5 behind but if he maintains the same attitude he's had all week, expect him to be fighting back.

Just like he did in the early frames this afternoon, Ronnie O'Sullivan punishes Ding Junhui's mistake ruthlessly.

Ronnie hasn't made a century in today's final, can he do so now? Nope, a missed double on a red means the break ends at 79 but he won't care.

He's two frames ahead - and three frames from a record-extending eighth UK Championship crown.

As Shaun Murphy has just said on commentary, it's difficult to see how Ronnie doesn't clinch the frame from here.

He's not got away with his next mistake though.

Ambitious shot-to-nothing goes wrong, leaves Ronnie O'Sullivan a cut-able red - and the balls are as wide open as you could want them.

Shaun Murphy
2005 world champion on BBC Two

Ding's got away with one there. When he missed his previous shot, he couldn't have left it in a more awkward place.

Image source, Getty Images

A half-error from Ronnie gives Ding a chance at a mid-range red but he jaws it.

O'Sullivan has an easy red to start but position is difficult and it's another safety in what is turning out to be the scrappiest frame of a very fast-paced final.

The Rocket plays an aggressive safety, breaking the pack of reds open.

One drifts right over the corner pocket but it's blocked by other reds - Ding comes off the side cushion to pot it but narrowly fails to get position on the black and the safety battle will recommence.

Andy: Ronnie always says he doesn't care - he wants this, and the eighth (world title). FACT!!

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at York Barbican

Ronnie O’Sullivan has spoken recently about how he has found it more challenging to maintain his concentration in longer matches because of the ageing process.

And there have already been one or two minor lapses this evening.

The big question is whether Ding Junhui will be able to take advantage of them often enough to turn this contest in his favour.

A long pot attempt from Ronnie O'Sullivan rattles in the jaws at the beginning of the 12th frame - the final frame before the mid-session interval.

Close but no cigar, as they say - but no harm done as he screwed the cue ball back towards baulk.

There are really visible chalk marks on the baize, for sure... Thought these players would be neater than I am down my local club...

Image source, Getty Images

Yep, the bell is tolling in terms of this frame.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is mopping up these reds with ease and he regains the lead at 6-5.

He clears with an 87 break to continue the pattern of never falling behind in this final.

Shaun Murphy
2005 world champion on BBC Two

Ding will be very frustrated now sitting in his chair having had that chance. To only make six from that opportunity - Ding will be very annoyed with himself.

Gee McK: I swear Ronnie misses balls on purpose, giving his opponent hope.

Ronnie O'Sullivan almost throws the rest aside in disgust after missing a middle distance red with the aid.

It clatters on the table.

A 40 break has put him in relative control of this 11th frame - especially now Ding's retort ends on six and leaves a red right over the hole.

Shaun Murphy
2005 world champion on BBC Two

For Ronnie, it's not always just about winning - he wants to win his way.

He doesn't want to just scrape over the line - he wants to win with flamboyance.

Sensational long red from Ronnie O'Sullivan to start frame 11.

Impatient? Perhaps. But sometimes adventurousness pays off.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Ding has been pretty tenacious and Ronnie maybe showed a bit of impatience there.

He could have continued but maybe he wants to get on with it and not get bogged down in safety play.

Image source, PA Media