RONNIE O'Sullivan was all square at 4-4 after the first session of his Liverpool Victoria UK Championship quarter-final against Quinten Hann in Bournemouth yesterday.

For the first time in a season that has already yielded the Champions Cup and Regal Masters titles, O'Sullivan looked frustrated and angry at his failure to stamp his authority on the match.

The world number four from Chigwell beat Hann, an Australian, 5-0 last month but rarely threatened a repeat yesterday.

He began well enough by taking the first frame and then clearing up with 70 from 56-0 down to regain his advantage at 2-1.

But then things started to go astray and Hann began to show the talent that so often in the past has taken second billing to his antics.

When O'Sullivan missed a chance to lead 3-1, Hann - still hobbling and playing without shoes after breaking his foot in a parachute accident - hit back with a 42 clearance to level at 2-2.

He took the lead for the first time at 3-2 and then won another black-ball frame to go 4-2 in front.

Just when O'Sullivan faced a first-session deficit he showed the determination to take the final two frames, 80-14 and 62-14.

But he still needs another five frames today (2.30pm) to reach what would be his fourth semi-final of the season.

Details, Liverpool Victoria UK Championship, quarter-finals: R O'Sullivan (Eng) level with G Hann (Aus) 4-4 (play to a finish today, start 2.15pm)

UK Billiards Championship at BIC, final: D Causier (Eng) bt R Foldvari (Aus) 5-1 (frames scores, Causier first): 50-0 52-42 51-39 50-15 5-51 51-17).