World Grand Prix snooker: Ronnie O’Sullivan survives Pang fightback to progress, Mark Williams beats Thepchaiya Un-Nooh

Ronnie O’Sullivan put in another terrific performance as he reached the last 16 of the World Grand Prix with a 4-2 victory over Pang Junxu.

O’Sullivan started the match like he meant business, taking the first frame quickly thanks to 30+ visits.

Pang attempted to hit back in the second, but broke down on 25, allowing the world No. 1 to rattle home a rapid 111, his 32nd century of the season.

The comeback was even more impressive in the third frame, when the Chinese player wracked up a lead of 53, but it still wasn’t enough, as the Rocket swept him aside with a clearance of 70 to move 3-0 ahead.

The tables were turned in the fifth frame, as Pang, with his back to the wall, sealed the frame with a superb visit of 90, after O’Sullivan had taken a 50-0 lead.

A magnificent 105 then saw the world No. 31 close the gap to 3-2, and he was first with hand on table in the sixth, only to play a poor positional shot when on 24 that led to a missed red.

The Rocket returned to the table and compiled a superb 95 that saw him complete a 4-2 victory, as he remains on course four a third World Grand Prix title.

Three-time world champion Mark Williams is also through to the last 16, thanks to fast-paced 4-3 victory over Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.

The pair shared the opening four frames, the highlight of which was a magnificent total clearance from the Welshman, as he stroked his 30th century of the season.

Un-Nooh then responded with a magnificent 87, and was even on for a 147 until going in-off when attempting to pot his 13th black, when he needed to send the cue ball around the angles to get on his next red.

Williams forced a decider, aided by another 50+ visit, and then a break of exactly 50 proved enough to claim victory in an absorbing an entertaining match.

“I think it was a good game overall,” he told ITV. “I think there was a break in every frame.

“As soon as he got in, he didn’t look like missing. He’s not as good as O’Sullivan to watch, but he’s not far behind.”

Elsewhere, home-favourite Tom Ford beat Jordan Brown 4-1, booking a clash with Scottish Open champion Gary Wilson.