Ronnie O’Sullivan’s bid for a third successive world title hit a setback last night after Joe Perry built an early lead in the pair’s second-round clash at the Crucible.

World number 15 Perry clinched the final frame of the night to develop a 5-3 lead and will resume battle with O’Sullivan today in the final two sessions of the best-of-25 encounter.

The Chigwell potter was expected to fire from the off after dispatching lowest-ranked qualifier Robin Hull with consummate ease in the tournament opener on Saturday.

He immediately found himself on the backfoot against Perry however as he failed to pot a ball in the first frame.

O’Sullivan drew the scores level but went on to lose three consecutive frames, before fighting back to reduce the arrears to one – including a majestic 117 break.

Perry would have the last work of the night however with an effort of 99 to leave the 'Rocket' with work to do today.

Should five-time champion O’Sullivan find his form to beat Perry, he will meet either world number five Shaun Murphy or Marco Fu in the quarter-final stage next Tuesday.

British Eurosport is the Home of Snooker, showing 19 tournaments per season including the World Championship, UK Championship the Masters and all other ranking events. Available on Sky, Virgin Media & BT TV or online/mobile via eurosportplayer.com #eurosportsnooker