text: Ronnie O’Sullivan urged Britain’s shoemakers to spare him Crucible agony after getting through three pairs in a chaotic start to his Betfred World Snooker Championship campaign. The five-time former champion was a 10-3 winner against Craig Steadman, a 32-year-old from Manchester who endured a painful Crucible debut. O’Sullivan was hurting, too, after earning his last-16 place — due to the discomfort his shoes were causing him. Ronnie O'Sullivan moved into the second round of the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday . The five-time world champion beat Craig Steadman 10-3 in their first round contest at The Crucible . He might have faced a fine of around £250 for briefly playing on without shoes, but because O’Sullivan was ready to accept any other pair of size eights offered his way, tournament officials decided there was no case of a dress-code breach to answer. The title favourite dug out an old pair of dress shoes for yesterday’s play, as he converted a 7-2 overnight lead, before putting out a call for help. ‘If any top shoemakers feel like they want to come and sort me out with a new pair, send your boys down. I’m not going to say no,’ said O’Sullivan. ‘I’d appreciate a new pair of shoes and I need some help.’ O’Sullivan will face Matthew Stevens in the second round after he beat fellow Welshman Mark Williams 10-2. O'Sullivan led 7-2 overnight and returned on Wednesday morning to win the final three frames he needed . O'Sullivan won by a comprehensive margin but didn't hit top form during his first round match . The 39-year-old had trouble with his shoes during the session on Tuesday afternoon . O'Sullivan was seen playing in socks on Tuesday and could face a small fine for breach of dress code .
target: Ronnie O'Sullivan beats Craig Steadman 10-3 at The Crucible .
  The five-time world champion was 7-2 ahead overnight .
  O'Sullivan won the final three frames he required on Wednesday morning .
  The 39-year-old was forced to change his shoes on Tuesday .