Ronnie O'Sullivan beats David John in Round 1 of Northern Ireland Open

It took the 40-year-old less than an hour to see of a shell-shocked John, who had no answer to his illustrious opponent’s ruthless and flamboyant clearances.

The crowd at the Titanic Exhibition Centre were royally entertained throughout, with O'Sullivan finishing off in style with a 133 clearance.

Even O’Sullivan himself said it was “the best I’ve played all season, by a long way”.

“I knew I was putting pressure on him, so it was tough for him, but if I made silly mistakes he’d have taken more confidence from them, so you’ve got to keep your foot on the pedal haven’t you,” said O'Sullivan, who will face Jimmy White in the last 64.

John Higgins enjoyed an even easier ride as he beat Paul Davison 4-0, but world number 26 Ben Woollaston is out after he suffered a surprise 4-2 defeat to amateur Jordan Brown.

Jimmy White, Joe Perry, Luca Brecel, Barry Hawkins and Michael White are also through.