Welsh Open: Ronnie O'Sullivan misses chance to record his 12th career maximum
Ronnie O'Sullivan missed the chance of a record-breaking 147 break, but still eased into the last 32 at the Welsh Open.
Last Updated: 25/02/14 10:13pm
![Ronnie O'Sullivan: Posted a 4-1 victory over Barry Pinches to progress](https://e1.365dm.com/14/01/768x432/Ron_3068167.jpg?20140117170309)
O'Sullivan made 104 in five minutes during the opening frame but missed the 14th red, which rattled around the jaws, and the chance of a 147 was gone.
The reigning world champion and retired Scot Stephen Hendry share the record for the most 147s in competition, with both men having posted 11 in their careers.
O'Sullivan nevertheless recovered from the disappointment of the close call with history to post a 4-1 victory over Barry Pinches and set up a third-round clash with Chinese potter Xiao Guodong.
Meanwhile, two-time former world champion Mark Williams eased to a 4-0 success against Tian Pengfei from China.
The Cwm cueman, in 1999, was the last Welshman to triumph at the event.
Frightening for Williams
Williams, 38, has slipped down the rankings to number 18 but believes he is playing well enough to trouble world No 1 Neil Robertson in the third round.
The Australian took his record tally for centuries in a season to 87 on Tuesday, as he sealed a 4-0 win over Rory McLeod.
"It's been 15 years since a Welshman won this which is far too long and it is frightening," said Williams.
"We should be having a lot better runs with the Welsh players we have, and hopefully this is the year when we can do that."
Of the challenge posed by Robertson, he said: "Apart from Ronnie (O'Sullivan), he is probably the best player in the world now but I know if I play all right then I can beat anybody."
Other winners on Tuesday included Ali Carter, Ding Junhui, Graeme Dott, Shaun Murphy and World Championship runner-up Barry Hawkins.