Win secures O’Sullivan top-16 place

Ronnie O’Sullivan looked in fine form as he reached the last 16 of the 888 Welsh Open with a 4-1 win over Marco Fu.

O’Sullivan’s performance at the Newport centre has ended any fears over his top-16 place ahead of April’s World Championship, ensuring he will qualify automatically for the Crucible.

He was quickly into his stride with a break of 52, and an 88 put him two frames to the good.

He made 51 in the third but a missed black off its spot allowed Fu to pinch the frame. But it was only a blip for the former world number one, who wrapped up a 4-1 win with a superb 102 break.

Meanwhile, Mark Allen did not have to be at his best as he hammered Ken Doherty 4-0.

Home favourite Matthew Stevens set a new tournament high break as his win over Barry Hawkins went the distance.

Stevens won the opener, before Hawkins got over the line on the colours in frame two.

Stevens won the next with a 141 break before Hawkins raised his game and went 3-2 ahead. A 70 break helped Stevens take the match to a decider, which he took thanks to a break of 60 and an in-off from Hawkins.

That set up a clash with Stephen Maguire, who saw off Wiltshire qualifier Adam Wicheard 4-2.