World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan progressed to the last 16 of the European Open in Malta today after a 5-3 victory over Scottish youngster Stephen Maguire. O'Sullivan, still searching for his first title in the current campaign after winning six events last season, enjoyed an easy win but was all too aware of the threat Maguire posed.
"I didn't play brilliantly but I stuck in there hoping to hit a bit of form and kill off the match," said O'Sullivan. "About three years ago I played a practice session with Stephen in Stirling and he beat me 7-1. That's why I showed him a lot of respect because I know what he's capable of," he added.
Meanwhile, Thailand's James Wattana, a former world number three who has plummeted to 39th in the current standings, secured his first appearance in the last 16 of a ranking event since the Regal Welsh Open of January 2000 with a 5-4 victory over number 15 seed Dave Harold. Wattana fought back from 2-1 and 3-2 down before scrambling through a nervy decider to set up a clash with O'Sullivan.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
