Five-time Crucible champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is refusing to let off-the-table issues distract him in his bid for another World Championship title after a 10-7 first-round win over Gary Wilson.

The Rocket has struggled for form since his Masters title back in January and has had several run-ins with World Snooker in recent months, but he insists his focus is now wholly on winning snooker matches at the Crucible.

The 41-year-old Chigwell-based star was made to work hard by the qualifier from Wallsend, and was relieved to book his place in the second round, where he will face either Shaun Murphy or Yan Bingtao.

"I need to be in the right frame of mind to have a chance. You have to be smart and the most important thing is to play and enjoy the game," he explained.

"If I don't show up I would feel I am short-changing the people who have invested in me.

"I feel like I have a responsibility to the fans that come to support me, they want to see me do well. It's important I keep focused, stay professional and stay out of trouble.

"I would rather let my snooker do the talking, that’s the most important thing, the fans have supported me a lot and they deserve 100 per cent Ronnie O'Sullivan, not one where his mind is not right."

Five-time champion O'Sullivan led 5-1 but was reined in by a Wilson fightback and had just a single frame advantage coming into Sunday's afternoon session.

But after Wilson made a ton to bring the score to 6-5, O'Sullivan romped through the gears as he smashed home breaks of 122, 74 and 83 to move within a single frame of victory.

A break of 90 eventually sealed his spot in Thursday’s last 16-tie, which he celebrated with huge fist pump to the packed Crucible Theatre.

"It's more important to entertain, to come out here and play, put on a good performance, that's the most important thing," he added.

"I love to play and it is extra special at the Crucible. The main thing is to be in the right frame of mind.

"The fans have supported me for 25 years, they will continue to support me so I feel loyalty towards them and they are the most important people in my career."

Watch the Snooker World Championship Live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player, with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds