Ronnie in new gesture row

O'Sullivan caused more controversy after his victory over Maguire when he called for a separate circuit to be set up for the"boring" players.

Hicks was embroiled in row during his first-round clash with Australia's Quinten Hann where the pair exchanged insults and Hann offered to settle the dispute outside. The pair had to be separated by the referee after the final frame, and Hann allegedly insulted Hicks, saying "Your short and bald and always will be."

The fiery Aussie later apologised to former Crucible semifinalist-Hicks. The incidents continue to overshadow the excellent snooker between the former world champion and the world No65 from Devon.

They began the day locked at 4-4 but a 57 from Hicks gave him a 5-4 lead.

Back came O'Sullivan and he made breaks of 127 and 125, completing the latter with right and left-handed shots.

The best of 25-frame match was level at 8-8 and will conclude this evening.

In this morning's other clash, Matthew Stevens and Paul Hunter were level at 4-4.