Former UK Champion Stephen Maguire blitzed to an impressive 5-1 defeat of World Champion Luca Brecel to make the last 16 of the Huading Nylon World Open in Yushan.
World number 31 Maguire is hunting a first piece of silverware in four years. The Glaswegian’s last tournament win came during the behind closed doors Tour Championship back in 2020.
Since then, Maguire has struggled to consistently produce his dazzling finest. Last season his best performance was a solitary trip to the last 16 at the Northern Ireland Open. However, this term Maguire has shown signs of a return to form with two quarter-final appearances.
This morning’s result is Maguire’s first win over Belgium’s Brecel since the 2013 UK Championship. He achieved that by making breaks of 84, 51 and 50 during the comfortable victory.
Next up he faces Barry Hawkins in the last 16 tomorrow. Hawkins scored a 5-2 win over Robbie Williams, crafting a rare 146 break in the concluding frame.
World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan scored a 5-2 defeat of China’s Lyu Haotian to secure his last 16 slot.
Having enjoyed a superb season, which has seen him rack up five titles already, the Rocket is gunning for his first victory in this event since its inception in 2016.
The scores were locked at 2-2 during this evening’s encounter. However, O’Sullivan sealed victory with three on the bounce, including runs of 102 and 96.
Next up is a fascinating last 16 tie with Hossein Vafaei. The Iranian booked his progression with a 5-2 win over Robert Milkins.
O’Sullivan and Vafaei had a grudge showdown during last season’s World Championship, with both players taking pot shots at each other in the media ahead of the tie. However, O’Sullivan had the last laugh after he cruised to a 13-2 win.
Shaun Murphy and Ding Junhui set up a blockbuster last 16 meeting. Murphy came through 5-3 against Joe Perry, while Ding beat Cao Yupeng 5-1. Ding hasn’t defeated Murphy since 2013.
Former Shoot Out champion Chris Wakelin produced a spectacular display to beat in-form Ali Carter 5-1. He produced a barrage of big breaks, composing runs of 103, 143, 66, 131 and 53.
Wakelin’s next opponent will be 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson, who came through 5-2 against Yuan Sijun. Meanwhile world number two Judd Trump beat Fan Zhangyi 5-3 to earn a last 16 tie against David Lilley.