The Rocket celebrated his 42nd birthday in style by breezing in to the last 16 of the UK Championship with a 6-1 drubbing of Michael White.

The world No4 is bidding for a record-equalling sixth UK title at York’s Barbican Centre to match the tally of boyhood idol Steve Davis.

O’Sullivan, who had breaks of 132, 64, 71 and 65, said: “The game isn’t easy at times. Like golf, if you are not on line or not set up right it can be tough.

“We all go through it at times, Michael had that a bit today. But some people scramble better, like Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods used to do in golf. You get it round by being a shot-maker and coming up with something.

“I am a shot-maker, I can manufacture shots. The more robotic type players if they are not on line, they really struggle.

“Maybe Mark Williams is another like me, Judd Trump, Luca Brecel, Selby too… but there is a yin and yang, the more robotic players tend to be efficient and not make mistakes.

“It is an art, some can do it and some can’t. I have won a lot of matches and tournaments like that. Sometimes it is all fluent, but sometimes it isn’t.

“Other players moan about the relentless schedule and this and that, but I don’t moan any more. I’ll play anywhere, even outside in the freezing cold.

“Today Michael wasn’t at his best and I wasn’t that great either. I was surprised because I like his game and I think he is a big-occasion player.

“For the rest of my birthday I am going to treat myself to a trip to the gym, and then have some nice food. I will let someone else cook today, as it’s my special day.

“But it will be something nice and healthy, probably some fish, boiled potatoes, some salad maybe!”