Ronnie O'Sullivan interview

Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan survived a superb fightback from Rory McLeod to safely reach the second round of the Maplin UK Championship at Telford's International Centre.

Title favourite O'Sullivan romped into a 6-0 lead, knocking in three centuries in the progress, but world No 44 McLeod produced breaks of 108, 102 and 131 to claw his way back to 6-5.

McLeod, who coaches the Qatar national team, would have levelled at 6-6 but for O'Sullivan clearing with 38 to win the 12th frame on the pink.

That was the turning point as O'Sullivan went on to win the next three frames, the last with a superb 70 clearance.

"I hate it when people say I'm a genius and I don't have to work hard at this game, because I do have to battle," said O'Sullivan.

"Any win for me at this stage of my career is a result. It was tough. Sometimes you just have to sit it out, and you feel as if it's not going to be your day. It would have been nice to win more easily.

"Credit to Rory because at 6-0 down his head could have gone. In the end I could have been going home because it's all about form and his was stronger than mine."

Watch our video interview to find out his thoughts after the match.