By Julian Shea BBC Sport at The Crucible
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McCulloch faces Alan McManus next
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Three morning century breaks set up Ian McCulloch for a tense 13-12 win over former champion Mark Williams. Starting the day 5-3 down, Englishman McCulloch made breaks of 108 and a 100 to edged into a 9-7 lead.
Williams rallied with the first four frames of the evening session before McCulloch won two frames, one with a break of 83, to make it 11-11.
He won a tense frame to go 12-11 up but an 84 by Williams made it 12-12 before McCulloch held his nerve to win.
McCulloch said a hard training regime had helped him defeat Williams.
"It's hard every night when the lads are going out having a pint or playing a round of golf," he said.
"But if sitting on a bike is what I have to do to be successful, then that's what I will do.
"The bike builds my stamina but drives me round the bend. But I like to do everything right."
Williams, champion in 2000 and 2003, was content with his efforts and praised his opponent.
"He played very well and was very consistent. Everytime I missed something he punished me heavily," said the Welshman.
"I can't grumble about my performance. If he continues to play like that I think he can win it.
"I've got a few months off now so I'm going to chill out and play golf."
M WILLIAMS (Wal) 12-13 I McCULLOCH (Eng)