Ben Woollaston extended his winning record over Mark Williams after a fine 4-1 defeat of the three-time World Champion at the BetVictor English Open in Brentwood.
Leicester’s Woollaston has now won six of his nine career meetings with Williams. The world number 52 is aiming to climb the rankings again after a difficult few years.
Former Welsh Open finalist Woollaston has recently suffered with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which has impacted his ability to practise and compete at the highest level. However, the condition has eased in recent times and allowed him to regain confidence in his game.
Williams was unable to bounce straight back from a gut-wrenching defeat at the recent Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, where he lost the most lucrative deciding frame in the history of the sport. A 10-9 defeat to Judd Trump meant he had to settle for £200,000 rather than the £500,000 top prize.
With the score at 3-1 in this afternoon’s clash, Woollaston crafted a break of 70 to get over the line and set up a last 32 meeting with Zak Surety.
“I think I’m just a little unorthodox and I think I’m good tactically. I pot a lot of good balls. I maybe don’t score as heavily as Mark but I think we match up well,” said 37-year-old Woollaston.
“I have expectation now that I believe I can win matches. Before, I was coming to tournaments and just hoping to feel well. It is a different pressure now because I have a bit of adrenaline that I didn’t have before.”
World number three Mark Allen survived a real battle with China’s Long Zehuang to secure a 4-3 victory and a place in the last 32.
Having taken the first two frames, Allen then found himself one away from defeat at 3-2 down. However, a break of 67 forced a decider, which he won to progress. Allen now faces Lyu Haotian.
Allen said: “I have to say I was very impressed with him. He’s had some good results already. He played some really good stuff in that match and I don’t feel like I did much wrong from the 2-0 up to the verge of going out.
“I felt I played alright. I think that is the first match this season I haven’t made a century so that is disappointing, but overall I’m good.”
Matthew Selt made two centuries whilst defeating Ricky Walden 4-3. He now faces Judd Trump in the last 32.
Neil Robertson came through with a 4-1 win to set up a blockbuster last 32 showdown with Shaun Murphy, while Ross Muir secured a fine 4-3 win over Gary Wilson.