SNOOKER: Ronnie O'Sullivan eclipsed the highest break of this year's World Championship yesterday but it was not enough to help him to a first-session lead against Ryan Day.

"The Rocket" beat the 139 he made in his 10-4 victory over Dave Harold by knocking in a 140 total clearance in frame six, which levelled the match at 3-3 with Day far from overawed by his task.

A 10-3 thrashing of Joe Perry in the opening round suggested the Welshman had the credentials to test O'Sullivan and that looks like being borne out as the session ended 4-4.

The world number one began well, taking the first two frames without needing to make a half-century, but Day hit back by clinching the next three.

In the frame before the interval, O'Sullivan conceded and left the arena while his opponent was still at the table - an act considered unsporting but it did not incur an official warning.

After the two-time former champion had compiled his 140, Day produced a 68 to edge back ahead before a 65 from O'Sullivan ensured parity ahead of the next stint this morning.

On the other table progress was slower, but unsurprisingly that did not affect Peter Ebdon as he built a 4-1 lead over David Gray.

In last night's late games, Ireland's Ken Doherty and Matthew Stevens of Wales were tied at 7-7, while Graeme Dott led Nigel Bond 8-6.