O'Sullivan closes in on Masters title

Ronnie O'Sullivan was in sight of his sixth Masters title after dominating the opening session of Sunday's final against Barry Hawkins at London's Alexandra Palace.

Hawkins, beaten by O'Sullivan in the 2013 World Championship final, won Sunday's first frame but from then on it was one-way traffic as the 'Rocket' surged into a 7-1 lead in the best of 19-frame final ahead of the evening session.

The 40-year-old O'Sullivan, playing his first major tournament in nine months, suggested back trouble was the reason for what he regarded as a poor performance in the semi-finals.

But he did not look in too much discomfort on Sunday, levelling the match with a break of 70 before his 136 saw O'Sullivan go 2-1 up against his fellow Englishman.

Hawkins then didn't help his own cause with several errors allowing O'Sullivan to establish a commanding lead.