Murphy and Williams Safely Through

Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams secured places in the last 32 on the second day of the Indian Open in Hyderabad.  Breaks of 65, 46 and 44 helped the 2005 World Champion Murphy to a 4-1 win over Daniel Wells. He now faces Michael Georgiou tomorrow Morning.

Williams overcame illness problems to see off China’s Zhang Yong.  The two-time Crucible winner had suggested on social media that he may have to withdraw from the event. However, he took to the baize and after some tight opening frames, he took control of the match. At 2-1 ahead, Williams produced breaks of 60 and 67 to see himself through with a 4-1 win.

1995 world finalist Nigel Bond provided the shock of the day with a fantastic 4-1 defeat of world number 8 Ricky Walden. He completed the victory in style with a run of 106 in the final frame of the match.

Yesterday Anthony Hamilton scored a great win over reigning champion Michael White. He followed that win up today by edging out Scotland’s Eden Sharav 4-3. Breaks of 92, 51, 47 and 80 helped the ‘Sheriff of Pottingham’ clinch a last 32 spot against Gary Wilson.

Indian star Pankaj Advani kept home interest alive with a comprehensive win over Elliot Slessor. The multiple billiards world champion contained his opponent to just 31 points during a 4-0 victory.

Barry Hawkins also inflicted a whitewash on day two.  He wasted little time, beating amateur Ashley Hugill 4-0 in just over an hour, to book a spot in the last 32 against Rory McLeod.

John Astley came through a high quality affair against Ryan Day. The Englishman made breaks of 91, 88 and 90 on the way to a narrow 4-3 win.