Rocket in pole position

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The Rocket never quite scaled the heights of his semi-final demolition of seven-times winner Stephen Hendry, but goes in to Monday's finale 11-5 ahead.

O'Sullivan had too much fire-power for Carter, who is appearing in the first ranking final of his 12-year professional career.

O'Sullivan, 8-1 on with the bookmakers before the start of the match, has a six-frame lead going into the conclusion of the contest on Monday - needing only seven more frames to make sure of victory.

And he ended Sunday's session in style by becoming only the second player after Hendry in 1994-95 to amass 50 centuries during a season with a 106 break in the final frame.

In addition, O'Sullivan compiled a further seven 50-plus breaks against an opponent who paid the penalty for not making the most of the opportunities that came his way.

O'Sullivan, already assured of regaining the world number one slot for next season, has won the previous eight meetings with 28-year-old Carter.

It would be the biggest upset in a world final since 150-1 outsider Joe Johnson overcame the then supreme Steve Davis in the 1986 final should Carter fight back and win.

But even O'Sullivan's 'B' game was too strong for his former practice partner, who briefly rallied during the second session but ultimately was left with a mountain to climb.

If and when O'Sullivan crosses the finishing line he will join Fred and Joe Davis, John Pulman, John Spencer, Ray Reardon, Steve Davis and Hendry in winning the title on more than two occasions.