Ali Carter, who was given the all-clear from lung cancer in December, made a winning start at the World Championship with a 10-5 win over Alan McManus.
Carter resumed with a 6-3 overnight lead and went on to set up a last-16 meeting with Australia’s 2010 champion Neil Robertson, the world No4.
“I didn’t feel as if I played great, but I competed in all departments and won quite convincingly in the end,” Carter said. “I have some good memories here – the only thing I have left to do is win it, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
The world No3 Ding Junhui booked his place in the second round despite having to overcome the embarrassment of missing out on a maximum break after not noticing he was on track for a 147 to book his place in the second round.
China’s Ding was trailing opponent Mark Davis 5-3 and was at the table on a break of 96 when he inexplicably screwed back for the blue ball after potting a red instead of playing for the black. The apparent lapse in concentration left the audience stunned, while Ding covered his head in his hands before offering a wry smile after realising his error.
Following his mistake, Ding regained his composure and went on to claim a 10-7 win. He later admitted he did not realise he had been on course for a maximum break until he heard the crowd’s gasps.
“I didn’t even know about the 147,” Ding said. “I potted the red and heard the noises from the crowd and I realised what I had done. The blue was on its spot and I was just trying to make a century, I wasn’t even thinking about making the 147. “
Ding will play John Higgins in the next round, and added: “I’ve played him many times. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’ve got more confidence to play him now.”
The evening session saw Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen secure his second-round place by wrapping up a 10-3 win over Wales’ Ryan Day. Allen had built up a 6-3 lead from the first session earlier in the day and swiftly finished the job to progress to an encounter with world No5 Barry Hawkins, beaten finalist two years ago.
Allen, who won nine frames in a row having been 3-1 down to Day at one point, said: “That was only my C game there today. I’m nowhere near my best yet and, if I bring my best in this two weeks, then I expect to be here at the end of the two weeks.”
On the other table, the two-times runner-up Matthew Stevens established a 7-2 lead over Mark Williams, the 2000 and 2003 champion. The winner of that contest will face the victor of the match between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Craig Steadman, which resumes on Wednesday with O’Sullivan comfortably ahead 7-2.
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