Ronnie O’Sullivan got his campaign underway at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters with a 5-1 demolition of China’s Lei Peifan.
A day of shocks has seen nine of the top 16 seeds fall at their first hurdle. However, it was a straightforward evening’s work for the Rocket, who eased to victory with breaks of 59, 103, 93 and 131 during the win.
Next up for the 41-time ranking event winner is a last 16 meeting with Zhang Anda, who produced a stunning display to beat Ben Woollaston 5-0.
The Chinese cueman crafted three runs of 138, a 128 break and a 50 on his way to an emphatic win. He only conceded 15 points during the match.
O’Sullivan stated that he wasn't shocked by the number of top 16 players to bow out today. However, he was glowing with praise for the snooker experience in Riyadh.
“It’s an amazing event and the venue is great. It is fantastic to be a part of this tournament,” said seven-time World Champion O’Sullivan.
“I’m not surprised by any results these days. On their day, anyone can play well and score heavily. The players that have come through and had a few matches are probably more used to the table conditions. If they get a quick start then the seeds are under pressure. The guys coming through are so good that if they have a lead they can close the match out.”
World Champion Kyren Wilson kept in the hunt for his second piece of silverware this season with a 5-3 win over Liu Hongyu.
After claiming maiden Crucible glory in May, Wilson got his new season off to a rocky start when he suffered a 6-0 whitewash defeat against Zhou Yuelong at the Shanghai Masters.
However, the Warrior bounced back in style at last month’s Xi’an Grand Prix, beating Judd Trump in the final to secure his seventh ranking title. He now faces English compatriot Jimmy Robertson in the last 16.
“Winning my first event as World Champion has taken a lot of the pressure off me for the majority of the season,” said 32-year-old Wilson.
“It has been crazy. The two events I’ve won this year have been the biggest on my CV in terms of prize money. I’m really enjoying my snooker and really enjoying seeing new territories. Long may it continue.”
Robertson scored his third consecutive victory over four-time World Champion John Higgins, registering a magnificent 5-2 win to reach the last 16.
Mark Williams summoned his best snooker at the crucial moment, as he scored a 5-4 win over Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh. The Welshman crafted a match winning 101 in the decider to clinch victory and a last 16 meeting with Stuart Bingham.
Essex cueman Bingham edged a thrilling encounter with Ding Junhui 5-4, which had an incredible ending. Ding had the first chance in the final frame, but his break ended when his tip came off and hit a red. Bingham stepped up and made 63 to win the match.
Si Jiahui beat Tom Ford 5-2, while Pang Junxu defeated Luca Brecel by the same scoreline. The Chinese pair will do battle in the last 16.