Welsh Open 2023: Ronnie O’Sullivan whitewashes Ben Mertens to make quarter-finals
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Updated 18/02/2023 at 12:16 GMT
Tip problems have threatened to derail Ronnie O'Sullivan's bid for a record-equalling fifth Welsh Open title, but there were no such issues as the Rocket whitewashed 18-year-old Ben Mertens to reach the quarter-finals. O'Sullivan faces John Higgins or Tian Pengfei next. Stream top snooker action, including the Welsh Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.co.uk
'A very efficient display' - O'Sullivan wraps up win over Mertens with 68 break
Ronnie O’Sullivan remains on track for a record-equalling fifth Welsh Open title following a 4-0 whitewash victory over Ben Mertens to reach the quarter-finals.
It was a much more straightforward night for O’Sullivan after tip problems in the earlier rounds had threatened to derail his tournament.
With a new tip now in place, O’Sullivan hit two breaks of 55 and a break of 68 to seal a far more comfortable win than when he needed a deciding frame to beat Mertens in the English Open in December.
O'Sullivan will meet Tian Pengfei for a place in the semi-final on Friday.
A half century put O’Sullivan in control of the opening frame, and a missed red to left corner from a nervy Mertens allowed the Rocket to finish the job.
Mertens - in his first year on the pro tour - had stunned Jackson Page and David Gilbert to make it this far but, certainly in the opening frames, he appeared overawed by the man he calls his hero, simply committing too many mistakes as O’Sullivan moved two frames clear.
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'Not taking any liberties' - O'Sullivan makes half century break against teenager Mertens
Clearly struggling with the occasion, the 18-year-old had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the third frame as O’Sullivan’s break ended at 55, only to pot the white after knocking in the pink. This time O’Sullivan would put the frame to bed to extend his lead to 3-0.
When these two met back in December, Mertens won three of the last four frames to force a decider, however, the fans in attendance at Llandudno were never likely to be treated to such a close finish.
Another poor shot from the young Belgian left O’Sullivan with a simple pot and a final break of 68 wrapped up the match in under an hour.
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'I have to deal with what I've got' - O'Sullivan tip-gate rumbles on after win over Mertens
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