O'Sullivan battles to beat Burnett to set up showdown with Higgins

06 October 2009 19:53
Ronnie O'Sullivan eventually saw off a battling performance from Jamie Burnett to win 5-3 and set up a tantalising second round clash with his old sparring partner John Higgins.[LNB]The 'Rocket' is aiming for back-to-back ranking titles following his success at the Shanghai Masters last month.[LNB]O'Sullivan fired a brilliant break of 126 to edge 2-1 ahead, but Burnett drew level at the mid-session interval.[LNB] Battling victory: Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Stuart Bingham at the Grand Prix[LNB]The World No 1 then went the next two frames to open up a 4-2 lead, and despite Burnett reducing his arrears O'Sullivan made a break of 71 to clinch victory. [LNB]Looking forward to his clash against world champion Higgins, O'Sullivan said: 'John and I have had some great battles over the years. He has no weak areas so I will have to raise my game.'[LNB]Mark Williams coasted into the second round, showing signs that he really is returning to the sort of form that twice took him to World Championship glory at the Crucible.[LNB]The Welshman thrashed Stuart Bingham 5-0, and in another intriguing second round match Williams will next play all-time great Stephen Hendry.[LNB]Second round draw:[LNB]Robert Milkins v Mark King/Ricky WaldenRonnie O'Sullivan v John HigginsJamie Cope v Mark AllenMark Williams v Stephen HendryPeter Ebdon v Mark DavisJoe Perry v Barry PinchesStephen Maguire/Nigel Bond v Ding JunhuiNeil Robertson v Ken Doherty[LNB] O'Sullivan insists Higgins should have won more titlesHendry eases to win and a place in second round of Grand Prix[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People:Nick Metcalfe, Jamie Burnett, John HigginsPlaces:Glasgow

Source: Daily_Mail