SHEFFIELD (England), April 23: Ronnie O’Sullivan edged closer to the quarterfinals of the world championship after establishing a 9-7 lead over Allister Carter in their second round tie on Friday. The defending champion now needs just four more frames to secure his place in the last eight and join seven-time winner Stephen Hendry, who had earlier thrashed Anthony Hamilton 13-3 with a session to spare.

Scotland’s Alan McManus has a 5-3 lead over Irishman Ken Doherty following the opening session in their second round match. McManus compiled back-to-back centuries midway through the session. Michael Holt has a 6-2 lead over Steve Davis, winner of six world titles, who scored a century on his way to going 2-1 up. Holt, however, reeled off four frames in a row to seize the initiative.

Hendry said that despite the margin of victory he struggled to find his best form.

Hendry, who last won the title in 1999, welcomed the news that the championship will remain in Sheffield until at least 2010.

Results (Second Round) (Best of 25) matches on Friday

Stephen Hendry (Scotland) beat Anthony Hamilton (England) 13-3 (117-8 4-111

69-37 76-13 88-0 82-1 77-22 17-86 80-41 64-49 63-20 65-23 62-34 25-66 73-8 75-0; ) Alan McManus (Scotland) leads 7-Ken Doherty (Ireland) 5-3 (62-9 87-22 6-56

126-0 131-0 47-51 26-96 64-37)

Ronnie O’Sullivan (England) leads Allister Carter (England) 9-7 (109-0

17-99 75-14 16-63 41-83 66-3 86-4 19-76 87-0 80-26 17-61 7-71 89-27 101-30

73-0 15-90)

Michael Holt (England) leads 13-Steve Davis (England) 9-7 (58-53 11-126 6-79

63-32 99-0 60-42 79-15 63-8 100-0 75-45 15-62 2-114 41-88 0-72 46-76 114-0).—Agencies