O'Sullivan Had 'Flight Booked Home' in Anticipation of Higgins Defeat at Crucible

Ronnie O'Sullivan has revealed he had already booked his flight home before mounting a stunning comeback against Mark Higgins at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.

The seven-time world champion looked destined for an embarrassing first-round exit when he trailed Higgins 12-4, prompting him to arrange his departure from Sheffield before the dramatic turnaround.

"I had a flight booked home," O'Sullivan confessed. "I thought I was done. Mark was playing out of his mind and I couldn't find any rhythm. The decision was made - I was going home."

However, the 49-year-old produced one of the greatest comebacks in World Championship history, winning nine consecutive frames to clinch a 13-12 victory and progression to the second round.

O'Sullivan's remarkable fightback included a stunning 136 break in frame 22 as he silenced those who had already written off his title hopes.

"Sometimes you just have to find a way," O'Sullivan added. "I wasn't playing well, but I managed to dig deep. The crowd here gave me energy when I needed it most."

Higgins, who scored two centuries in the opening session, was left devastated by the defeat after coming so close to one of the biggest upsets in Crucible history.

O'Sullivan will face either Judd Trump or Ryan Day in the next round as he continues his pursuit of an eighth world title.