World champion Mark Selby had to use all his grinding qualities he is famous for to clinch a hard-fought first round win in the English Open.

A huge shock looked to be on the cards when Scotsman Scott Donaldson impressed his way to a stunning 3-2 lead against the reigning world champion and current world number one.

But the Jester from Leicester showed his top class when he levelled the match with a sublime break of 124 to force a deciding frame finale.

Selby then had the better of the hand of the young Scotsman, who made the semi-finals of the Welsh Open last season,  taking advantage of a safety error from the 23-year-old deep into the frame.

Meanwhile, Ronnie O’Sullivan had a more easier time on the baize as he coasted through his first round match against Zhang Anda, winning 4-1.

However O’Sullivan appeared to be in some slight pain with a sprained ankle which forced him to wear trainers throughout his opening round win.

After the match he told Eurosport’s Andy Goldstein: “I sprained it but it’s alright. I didn’t think I was going to play this morning because I couldn’t walk properly but I went down the academy and hit a few balls  and it was alright.

“I had the Sheffield United physios have a look at it, bandage it up and give it a bit of treatment. I can walk anyway.

“I’ve had it strapped up so I’ve not been able to get my shoes on. If I can take my strapping off then I’ll be able to put my shoes on but at the moment the strapping is so deep I need a big shoe.”

Ding Junhui also cruised to a well deserved 4-1 win over Christopher Keogan and this season’s inform man Luca Brecel beat Ryan Day by the same scoreline to set up a cracking tie against Mark Williams.

Neil Robertson, who needs a successful couple of months to be in with a shout of qualifying for The Masters in January, looked in good form with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Billy Joe Castle.

ENGLISH OPEN – SECOND ROUND DRAW