Ronnie O'Sullivan blasted idol Jimmy White to virtually guarantee a semi-final place in the Champions Cup.

Rocket Ronnie was on fire as he reeled off three century breaks at the Brighton Centre yesterday.

He received a standing ovation from the sell-out crowd after his dazzling 5-2 win, which included an opening frame break of 140 in just seven minutes.

O'Sullivan, ranked fourth in the world, said: "That's the way I play. If I took my time, I'd probably see things that weren't there. I just go for it as it happens."

The 24-year-old won the opening two frames without White potting a ball. White recovered to level the Group B match 2-2, but the Rocket blew out the Whirlwind with breaks of 102 and 107 to go within touching distance of victory.

O'Sullivan cleared up in the seventh frame to seal victory with a break of 65 after White missed an easy red on 59.

The six-times Embassy World Championship runner-up from back page who received a wildcard entry, admitted he was outclassed by O'Sullivan.

He said: "Ronnie can score 70 in a minute, which is awesome, and when you're up against someone like that there's little you can do."

O'Sullivan, who beat John Higgins 5-4 on Sunday night, faces Matthew Stevens in his final group match on Wednesday.

He said: "I'm not even going to look at a snooker table until Wednesday. I've been working too hard over the years and want to enjoy quality time away from the game.

"I almost quit snooker, because the practising was getting too much, but I love the game too much to walk away.

"Now I'm going to go to the pictures and want to enjoy Brighton a little before my next game."

World No 1 Mark Williams defeated Stephen Lee 5-3 in Group A yesterday and tomorrow Stephen Hendry will have guaranteed his place in the semis if he beats Ken Doherty.

Action starts at 11.30am and tickets are available at £6 (£3 concessions).