The Rocket, who won his sixth UK Championship by downing Shaun Murphy on Sunday, was taking on China's Li Hang in Glasgow this afternoon.

O'Sullivan took the opening frame but the world No 38 hit back and was on the brink of victory when he took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven contest.

A tired O'Sullivan was struggling to hit his straps - so he resorted to getting some shut-eye during frames to keep himself fresh.

Explaining why he was appearing to sleep during the match, O'Sullivan said: "My doctor has told me to catch on rest whenever I can because he knows I've had a busy seven or eight weeks. He said 'you must rest whenever you can'.

"So even when I know I shouldn't be sleeping, I have been sleeping - and it's working. It's just a little snooze and everyone needs a snooze.

"I was so tired, I was sitting there thinking this two or three minute break feels like forever. This is a snooze moment.

"The nice leather chair for my neck felt really good. I got 12 minutes rest there.

"You feel 'I'm not in the mood for this, I just want to have a little snooze' but you've got to try and play ain't ya?"

The rest appeared to do the trick. O'Sullivan fought back to steal the last two frames to clinch a dramatic 4-3 win.

The 42-year-old has recently complained about the about how tiring the tour now is with the growing number of tournaments.

He added: "If the adrenaline kicks in it's alright but if you're playing average it feels like hard work but the last two frames it kicked in."

Appearing alongside O'Sullivan in the studio was snooker legend Jimmy White, who laughed: "You were tired there but every part of your game is really good."

"I still think you'll take some stopping even if the best of seven makes it a bit of lottery."

Asked what he will do ahead of his match tonight with Michael White, O'Sullivan joked: "Get some snooze! A proper snooze."