O'Sullivan marches on

The win sees the Rocket remain on course for a sixth title in seven years while Robertson's hopes of staying in the tournament are all but over.

O'Sullivan started brightly at a packed Grimsby Auditorium, rattling down a break of 80 in the first frame before going on to register a century (130) in the fourth.

Robertson managed a break of 49 to take the fifth frame, but O'Sullivan hit back with a 79 to seal a comprehensive victory in the final frame.

Meanwhile, defending champion Shaun Murphy defeated Mark Williams 4-2 to edge towards securing a play-off spot of his own.

Murphy's best break, a 97, came in the second frame to give him a 2-0 lead and despite losing the third, the world number seven went on to claim a victory that casts doubts over Williams's continued participation in the tournament.

"It was a typical league match; not the prettiest game but a win is a win and I’m pleased with the points,” Murphy told the tournament's official website.

“The best player didn’t necessarily win tonight, and maybe they need to take some steps to change rules to ensure that he does.

“The easiest and most straightforward would be ball in hand after a foul. Snookers are too often used for tactical advantage and there is no benefit to the player who made the snooker.

"Whatever happens tonight, it is now in my hands and I’ve got to go to Llandudno next week and get a result,” he added.