Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Jimmy White: ‘Rocket’ blasts past the ‘Whirlwind’ at Northern Ireland Open

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN downed pal Jimmy White as two snooker legends met at the Northern Ireland Open.

The Belfast crowd were treated to a magnificent 141 clearance as O'Sullivan powered his way  into the third round.

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'The Rocket' then admitted that it had not been easy playing his mate 'The Whirlwind', who are regularly booked to play exhibitions because of their showmanship.

O'Sullivan said: "It's hard playing someone who you are really friends with.

"I was quite nervous before the match. There was a little bit of hype."

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White, who has slipped to 108 in the world rankings, was facing O’Sullivan in the final stages of a ranking event for the first time in six years.

The 54-year-old hinted at an upset by taking a scrappy opening frame before O’Sullivan hit back with a 141 clearance to level the scores.

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With both players struggling to find top form O’Sullivan added two more frames before wrapping up a 4-1 victory with a break of 95.

White added: "I got a few chances early doors but if you don't punish Ronnie O'Sullivan, you've got no chance."

Scot John Higgins had earlier knocked in the eighth 147 of his career in a 4-1 win over Sam Craigie.

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