Former champs all square

Higgins scorched to a 3-1 lead at the interval with breaks of 91 and 73. But the Scot lost his way after the break and O'Sullivan took his opportunity to level the match with runs of 65, 60 and 54.

Higgins made the first century of the session in the penultimate frame with a break of 110 before O'Sullivan levelled again with a break of 76.

In the other match of the afternoon qualifier Mark Selby opened up a 5-3 lead over Ali Carter.

Both players seemed nervous and much of the match was a tentative, scrappy affair but Selby, who was always in front, edged ahead with a break of 121 in the penultimate frame.