FORMER world champion Mark Williams kept the Welsh flag flying in Newport as victory over Neil Robertson sealed his place in the last 16 of the Welsh Open.

Breaks of 60 and 50 helped the two-times Crucible winner, the only Welsh player left standing, kept home interest alive in the major ranking event as he held on to clinch a place in the fourth round.

Meanwhile world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan continued his dominant form with a cruising 4-1 over Chinese talent Xiao Guodong and defending champion Stephen Maguire continued his defence by brushing aside Andrew Pagett 4-0.

Ding Junhui, bidding to win his fifth major ranking event of the season, was forced to battle hard against Ben Woollaston before battling to a 4-3 win and Judd Trump kept up his impressive form beating Anthony McGill 4-2.

Mark Selby eased his way into the next round with a 4-0 win over Dominic Dale but Shaun Murphy’s long wait for a major ranking title continued after he suffered a 4-3 defeat to China’s Liang Wenbo.

Ali Carter continues to have the wool over Mark Allen as he followed up his Champion of Champions victory earlier this season with a 4-2 win over the Ulsterman.

Stuart Bingham, who reached the final of the Welsh Open last year, secured his place in the last 16 with a 4-2 win over Michael Holt.

Youngster Joel Walker continued his impressive season with a 4-1 win over James Wattana.

There were also wins for John Higgins, Scott Donaldson, Joe Perry, Marco Fu, Barry Hawkins and Ricky Walden.

Welsh Open – Last 16 Draw:

Stephen MAGUIRE vs Joel WALKER
Scott DONALDSON vs Ding JUNHUI
Stuart BINGHAM vs Joe PERRY
Ali CARTER vs Mark SELBY
Mark WILLIAMS vs Marco FU
Liang WENBO vs Barry HAWKINS
Judd TRUMP vs John HIGGINS
Ricky WALDEN vs Ronnie O’SULLIVAN