Ricky Walden stuns Ronnie O’Sullivan in final-frame decider to progress to quarter-finals at Welsh Open

Ricky Walden held off a resurgent Ronnie O’Sullivan to seal a spot in the quarter-finals of the Welsh Open courtesy of a 4-3 win. The world No. 18 led 3-1 on the back of runs of 54 and 136 but breaks of 88 and 85 saw O’Sullivan force a final-frame decider.

However, Walden held his nerve courtesy of an 83 to progress to the quarter-final stage where he will face the winner of Joe Perry and Kyren Wilson. Ad/> Walden drew first blood. However, he did offer O’Sullivan the chance to pinch it after running out of position 70 ahead with 75 remaining; the chance went begging for the six-time world champion as he attempted to develop a red pegged against the rail, and, while it took two bites at the frame-ball red, Walden established a one-frame lead.

/> Welsh Open‘That is brave!’ – Selt shows his mettle to cut blue into bottom pocket2 HOURS AGO A three-ball plant got Walden his hand on the table in the second but he lost control of the cue ball and he jawed a red to the middle pocket, allowing the Rocket to pounce to level courtesy of a supremely-put-together 76. Another miss to the centre pocket from Walden when 35 ahead allowed O’Sullivan in during frame three but a kick brought his charge to a halt at 55, and Walden cleared to the black to re-establish a one-frame lead. A difficult red to the green pocket set in motion the clearance to seal that frame and Walden was brimming with confidence as he set about the table to produce a total clearance of 126 to put himself within one frame of the quarter-finals.