Saudi Arabia snooker Masters LIVE – Ronnie O'Sullivan hits back to sink Zhang Anda in last-16 thriller

Welcome back to our live coverage of the inaugural 2024 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters with Judd Trump thumping Jack Lisowski 6-1 before Ronnie O'Sullivan edged out Zhang Anda 6-5 later on Wednesday. The best snooker players in the world are in Riyadh for the prestigious event, and you can follow all the action with us. The players are competing for a share of the £2.3 million prize pot.

'What a fluke!' - Zhang gets lucky with fortuitous red pot

Video credit: TNT Sports

'What a pot!' - O'Sullivan turns on the style with opening red in final frame

Video credit: TNT Sports

Thanks for joining us

We will be back at 12pm on Thursday for the start of the quarter-finals with Neil Robertson and Judd Trump colliding in what should be another thriller in Riyadh. Latest results can be found here

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Around the tables

Result: O'Sullivan 6-5 Zhang

A 78 break from O'Sullivan is good enough to get the job done. He is through to the last eight to face Si Jiahui or Pang Junxu in the quarter-finals on Thursday. "The way I've been playing, it's no fun for me," said O'Sullivan. "I just want to play well for seven, eight or nine matches on the bounce. He's (Zhang) the best fluker I've ever seen. I thought he was going to fluke one, and make 70."

O'Sullivan 5-5 Zhang (78-0)

What can you say about this bloke? The snooker GOAT doing what he usually does. Just sublime from all over the table. In goes the red he needs. And the crowd are roaring in Riyadh. He is through to a 146th ranking event quarter-final.

O'Sullivan 5-5 Zhang (39-0)

This is excellent from O'Sullivan as he rattles in a red to left centre. All about white ball control now as break hits 38. Closing in then on victory it seems.

O'Sullivan 5-5 Zhang (9-0)

Away we go then for the deciding frame. Ronnie with a decent break-off shot, but leaves a long red. Will Zhang be tempted by it? And he is, but it rattles the jaws. Almost flukes the red. And Ronnie then sinks a brilliant red to green bag. In goes the black to follow. O'Sullivan with first big chance in decider.

O'Sullivan 4-5 Zhang (87-0)

A break of 87 from Ronnie in little to no time at all. Just been going for shy of three hours, and this last-16 match will be coming down to a final-frame decider.

He's done it again! O'Sullivan hits yet another century

Video credit: TNT Sports

O'Sullivan 4-5 Zhang (45-0)

This is magical stuff from O'Sullivan. All there for the taking now. And could be another century coming up too. Zhang breaks off, and sits down. Can get ready for the decider now.

O'Sullivan 4-5 Zhang (21-0)

Superb long red from Ronnie, and he lands nicely on the green. Trying to get on the front foot here to take this match all the way. Quickly onto the black, and down at the business end of table. Opens up a few more reds. Glorious chance to get this frame wrapped up here and now. All about cue ball control now.

Around the tables

O'Sullivan 4-4 Zhang (0-85)

Looks a done deal for this frame. So Ronnie is going to have to find something in these final two frames to stay alive in this event. Zhang trails 3-2 on career head-to-heads, but has won their previous two meetings. Can he make it a third? O'Sullivan needs a big response now.

O'Sullivan 4-4 Zhang (0-52)

Looks like the winning post in this frame is in sight for Zhang. Was very fortunate not to leave an easy red for Ronnie when he missed with rest, but has steadied the ship and looks set to reclaim the lead after the fluked opening red. Nothing much Ronnie can do when he is sitting down.

O'Sullivan 4-4 Zhang (0-40)

Well now. Zhang reaching 33. Goes into pack off black, but not on a red despite opening up the cluster. Or certainly nothing easy. Big moments in this match. And he has mishit the red too. O'Sullivan goes for a red down the table to yellow pocket. But doesn't drop. Wasn't easy. Zhang carts red to green bag, and this is a huge chance to move one up with a possible two to play.

O'Sullivan 4-4 Zhang (0-10)

Another timely fluke for Zhang going for a long red to flick off another red, and end up potting a red. Again, the hand is offered, but that could be a big moment in this contest.

O'Sullivan 3-4 Zhang (125-0)

And in goes the long red that Ronnie needs. What a superb shot, and that seals the deal in this eighth frame. Phew! This match really coming to the boil. A bit like O'Sullivan's level of play.

O'Sullivan 3-4 Zhang (63-0)

Vintage O'Sullivan break in progress, but he is out of position on 63. Has been a really exacting break. 63 ahead, 67 left up. Time to start spoiling table by knocking reds safe.

O'Sullivan 3-4 Zhang (35-0)

O'Sullivan first to the punch the eighth frame as Zhang makes a real mess of an attempt at a pot on red with rest. Superb shot on a green from its spot in baulk to charge down the table and move a red away from a top cushion. Now freeing up the black spot. Chance to build a healthy lead here. And punish the Zhang error.

O'Sullivan 3-3 Zhang (0-105)

A cameo break of 54 from Zhang to lead the Rocket 4-3. Stops the rot after shipping three straight frames. Ronnie again playing catch-up in race to six.

Around the tables

O'Sullivan 3-3 Zhang (0-67)

Manages to free up a few reds off black, and in goes the blue to carry on over the 50 mark. Faced with a tough red to the green bag down the table. But it doesn't drop this time as red rattles in jaws. But O'Sullivan hits the wrong red in trying to pot a red to right middle, and that is going to cost him the seventh frame. Zhang set to restore lead.

Resurgent O'Sullivan hits century break in frame five against Zhang

Video credit: TNT Sports

O'Sullivan 3-3 Zhang (0-37)

Zhang chipping away at the loose reds here. Will need to attack pack at some point, but should build a decent lead at this visit.

O'Sullivan 3-3 Zhang (0-7)

Alex Higgins used to have a terrific safety game back in the day, and O'Sullivan is the same. He's not only a fantastic break-builder, but he can also mix it with the very best of the strategic side of matters. But Zhang comes up with a long red that wriggles in, and gets a decent kiss on another red to leave pink to right centre.

O'Sullivan 2-3 Zhang (141-0)

Back-to-back centuries of 109 and this match is all square at 3-3. Where do we go from here? Zhang right under the pump now with O'Sullivan in full flow.

O'Sullivan 2-3 Zhang (76-0)

The O'Sullivan comeback continues at pace in Riyadh then. Heading for 3-3 in a fascinating last-16 battle. Best-of-five match now to decide the winner.

O'Sullivan 2-3 Zhang (53-0)

A real tactical duel, but O'Sullivan wins the battle by slotting in a superb red to right centre. Lands on black too, and this is a golden chance to restore parity at 3-3. All there for him now.

O'Sullivan 2-3 Zhang (32-0)

Can't get the pack open off the black, but puts disappointment behind him to play a superb safety shot. Leaves white tight on baulk cushion.

O'Sullivan 2-3 Zhang (25-0)

What a golden chance straight off the bat for Ronnie. Would he think about the 147 here? Zhang went for a long red. Miles off the potting angle. And he ends up sticking up an easy opening red. The Rocket up and running again.

Around the tables

O'Sullivan 1-3 Zhang (109-24)

Total clearance of 109 from Rocket Ronnie, and he is back to within a frame of Zhang at 3-2 behind. This match looked like it was racing away from O'Sullivan, but a few errors by Zhang have opened the door in Riyadh.

O'Sullivan 1-3 Zhang (69-24)

Super stuff from Ronnie, and he is buzzing out there. Could be a century coming up too. The comeback continues. Has the white ball on a piece of string.

O'Sullivan 1-3 Zhang (44-24)

Suddenly looks like 3-2 coming up as a few errors by Zhang provides the seven-time world champion with scope to recover in this match. Right back in the ball game then.

O'Sullivan 1-3 Zhang (1-24)

Hmmmm...well now..a loose positional shot, and Zhang misses red with a rest. Just the safety for Ronnie to follow. Which is a fine shot. O'Sullivan will be keen to see Zhang make a few more mistakes here. Which he does by making a mess of his safety response. Chance for O'Sullivan then.

O'Sullivan 1-3 Zhang (0-18)

Normal service is resumed in this fifth frame as Zhang unearths another corking red to the yellow bag after Ronnie missed a long red. What a shot that is. And he drops in brown to carry the white back down for the reds. He'd be a good poker player Zhang. Gives little away without wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Around the tables

O'Sullivan 0-3 Zhang (68-27)

Zhang escapes from a snooker on the red, but ends up slotting it to yellow pocket. He nods to Ronnie. He's seen enough. A 3-1 lead for Zhang, but O'Sullivan will be feeling better after that frame. They head for a break at the mid-session interval.

'What a fluke!' - Zhang gets lucky with fortuitous red pot

Video credit: TNT Sports

O'Sullivan 0-3 Zhang (64-26)

This has been a brilliant response from Ronnie. In goes a superb plant to seal the deal. One miss from Zhang, and it is surely going to cost him the fourth frame. A fine 64, and he lays a snooker on the final red. Up and running then in this match.

O'Sullivan 0-3 Zhang (36-26)

Big visit to the table for O'Sullivan here. Vital that he pieces together some points to apply the pressure after Zhang's early march to the lead.

O'Sullivan 0-3 Zhang (9-21)

Ronnie decides to attempt a long red that pokes its nose out, but off the potting angle. And worse still, he leaves the red to left centre for Zhang to get moving again. Albeit a tad methodically. Zhang not on black, but ends up prodding in blue with a crashing pot to yellow bag, but he misses red to left middle. Cries of 'C'mon Ronnie'.

Around the tables

O'Sullivan 0-2 Zhang (4-83)

A brutal long pot by Zhang on a red. That was very, very difficult. But made it look easy. In goes the yellow, and that is 3-0 to the underdog. Huge frame coming up for Ronnie, who has done little or nothing wrong tonight. But trails three-zip.

O'Sullivan 0-2 Zhang (0-66)

All one-way traffic at the moment in Riyadh. Zhang plods to 52, but pack of reds not yet open. Otherwise this would be another frame surely heading for the International Championship winner. Looks like break might soon be over. 66, but can't get on reds. Just safety to follow. 75 remaining on the table.

O'Sullivan 0-2 Zhang (0-29)

Also nice to get the running early on in a match as Zhang butchers attempt at a long red, but watches as another red flies down table and into the yellow pocket. Hand of apology, but nobody is ever truly sorry as the brown is despatched to continue the break. Another chance then for the Chinese player to crack on.

O'Sullivan 0-1 Zhang (0-77)

This has been a sparkling start. Moves to the snookers required stage by prodding home an easy plant on two reds. No pot on pink, and no century this time. But 77 to go with opening 67 and Zhang is two frames clear of the snooker GOAT.

O'Sullivan 0-1 Zhang (0-46)

Not exactly a speed merchant, but does not mess about in mopping up balls when the mood takes him. Suddenly looking very good to get the second frame wrapped up in one poke.

O'Sullivan 0-1 Zhang (0-17)

Another fabulous effort by Zhang to drop in a long red, and hold for the black at the top end of the table. So much confidence in that stroke. He looks very, very sharp. O'Sullivan's safety game will have to be tighter than it is so far.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (38-71)

Well, that is what you call putting down an early marker. Slotted tough red along top cush, and embarked upon a pristine break to the brown of 67. Zhang leads 1-0 in the race to six.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (38-44)

Zhang into the lead with a break of 44 and counting. In goes the green followed by the red with the rest. Looking very good for the opening frame. Just putting these balls away with ease.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (38-12)

Stunning red along the top cushion by Zhang to regain access to the table. And suddenly all these reds are in the open, and there for the taking. Chance to take out the first frame of the evening in Riyadh.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (38-4)

Not much in response this time from Zhang, who runs in four before running safe. This is a man who made four centuries in his 5-0 win over Ben Woollaston last night. A dangerous customer.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (38-0)

Nice opening break of 38 from Ronnie. Can't get the pack of reds open off black. So just the safety to follow. Will aim to get this frame won at a second visit to the table.

O'Sullivan 0-0 Zhang (9-0)

Off we go then for the showpiece match of the night. First man to six frames will reach the quarter-finals. First chance of the night falls to the Rocket after Zhang can't slot a red from distance. Looking to make some early progress.

Latest results

Last 16

12:00

18:00

Thank you for joining

This is where our coverage ends for this afternoon's last 16 clashes that saw Judd Trump, Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy all progress to quarter-finals.

Make sure to join us again this evening for the remaining four ties set to take place at 18:00 BST as Ronnie O'Sullivan takes on Zhang Anda in the pick of the bunch.

Xiao reduces deficit

Xiao Duodong has halved his deficit by one against Scott Donaldson to now trail 4-3. A reminder that the winner of this one will take on Shaun Murphy in the quarter-final.

How to watch

Stream the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters 2024 and other top snooker action live on discovery+

Still to come this evening

With the conclusion of the Scott Donaldson and Xiao Duodong tie playing out, here is a reminder of what's in store this evening with Ronnie O'Sullivan and world champion Kyren Wilson among those in action at 18:00 BST.

Triumphant Trump

Murphy wins

Shaun Murphy has just secured victory in his last 16 clash against Elliot Slessor. The Magician beat the world number 42 6-3 with five breaks of 80 or above. He will now take on the winner of the clash between Scott Donaldson and Xiao Duodong that the Scot currently leads 4-2.

Trump to take on Robertson

Judd Trump now progresses to the quarter-final where he will take on Neil Robertson who swept aside world number 11 Gary Wilson, also winning 6-1.

The Australian had dropped to 27th in the world ahead of this tournament but has expressed confidence about the state of his game, which will only be boosted by today's victory containing a break of 141.

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump punishes Lisowski errors

'Don't miss blacks off the spot' - Trump seizes on Lisowski error to hit another ton

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ruthless Trump full of confidence

Speaking to Eurosport, Judd Trump has spoken of his ruthlessness when discussing the chances that Jack Lisowski missed in their contest this afternoon.

He said: "When I'm sat in my chair nowadays I recognise that - that this is a massive frame now.

"If someone has a chance and they don't take it and I can clear up then its just a body blow every single time, because I feel like I'll get in the next frame and I won't make that mistake.

"So I think anytime time someone gets in against me, they have to clear up or I'm going to clear up myself."

Trump 6-1 Lisowski

A third century break of 105 from Trump seals victory over Lisowski by six frames to one. It was another missed black in that frame that proved the downfall of Lisowski - an error that is unforgivable with Trump in that form.

After an even start to the match, Trump took things up another level and found the kind of level that if he continues for the rest of the tournament will make him the man to beat.

Trump 5-1 Lisowski (60-10)

And while his position is not perfect, Trump's potting is seeing him power through this second break of the frame and with just a few reds remaining it looks like he has this one all but wrapped up.

Trump 5-1 Lisowski (25-10)

Could that be Lisowski's final shot of this match? You wouldn't be surprised given Trump's form so far in this one.

A loose positional shot though leaves Trump well short on a red and it glances off another one to go wide. Lisowksi misses a long red though - despite going close - and Trump is back in.

Trump 5-1 Lisowski (0-10)

A thick safety shot from Trump gives Lisowski a chance to get his hand on the table and it's a measured long red from the 33-year-old to get in. He goes crashing into the reds off the green but gets unlucky to see the white run on through towards the top cushion.

He keeps the break alive though with another great red into the right centre and he seems to have found a bit of inspiration here to not give this match away and get himself back in it. Just as I say this he misses yet another black off the spot. Unforgivable!

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 5-1 Lisowski

A century break of 115 from Trump and he now needs just one more frame to book his place in the quarter-final. Lisowski had looked promising earlier on in this contest but missing the black off the spot is going to go punished with his opponent in this kind of form now.

Its century number 15 for Trump this season and 995 in his career. A reminder that this season there is a prize of £100,000 for the first player to manage 100 centuries - a target you feel is more than achievable for Trump.

Trump 4-1 Lisowski (49-7)

Trump doesn't seem to have compete control of the cue ball but he is plugging his way through this break and the winning line of this frame will soon be in sight.

Trump 4-1 Lisowski (12-7)

It's Trump who breaks off in this sixth frame and the 2019 world champion is looking hard to stop now. Having said that, Trump misses again from distance and it's a chance for Lisowski. His long game is the one area that hasn't quite felt up to scratch for Trump.

Lisowski finds an incredible pot into the right centre while landing top side of the blue and it's important that he makes a sizable contribution at this visit. But after a break of just seven, he misses a black off the spot as he looks to fire it in and split the pack and he presents the chance for Trump to make it 5-1.

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 4-1 Lisowski

After the minor setback of the missed red, Trump goes on to make a break of 61 in clinical fashion to secure this frame and take a 4-1 lead over Lisowski.

He is looking to be in imperious form now and it's hard to see anything but a Trump victory at this stage unless Lisowski can do something quickly to change the momentum of this contest.

Trump 3-1 Lisowski (55-1)

Trump loses the cue ball to the right cushion though and catches the following red thick meaning it hits the far jaw of the left centre and stays out. A lifeline for Lisowski in this frame.

A good mid-distance red from the 33-year-old but he loses the cue ball slightly as it runs on meaning he plays safe off the green. After a poor safety shot from Lisowski it doesn't take long for Trump win the battle and he can pick off a red Liswoski nudged over the right corner pocket and he is now back in prime position.

Trump 3-1 Lisowski (31-0)

The black can only be potted into one pocket for now and with the pink re-spotted onto the green spot, there are some problems for Trump to solve early on.

After a tricky red and a green to take him back down the table, he now only needs to pick off the red stopping the black from passing to the left corner to make this a clear-cut chance for the frame you feel.

Trump 3-1 Lisowski (8-0)

Trump leaves a possible opener for Lisowski who is able to get his hand on the table but rattles the left corner pocket from distance. He leaves the cue ball tight to the left cushion though meaning Trump's subsequent chance is a difficult one and he catches the near jaw of the right corner pocket.

Lisowski has another difficult chance into the right corner pocket but his long attempt is far too thick and he leaves the white in amongst the reds. A delicate shot from Trump gets him off the mark in this fifth frame.

Trump 3-1 Lisowski (0-0)

Jack Lisowski kicks the second half of this one off and will be desperate for this fifth frame. A 4-1 deficit against Trump in this form would feel somewhat insurmountable.

Race for number one

Scintillating start from Trump

'That is how to clear a table!' - Trump dazzles with first-frame century

Video credit: TNT Sports

Murphy and Robertson enjoy bright starts

Shaun Murphy has established a 3-1 lead over Elliot Slessor heading into the interval and looks to be in great form having knocked in breaks of 111, 93 and 87.

Meanwhile, a resurgent Neil Robertson will be hoping for a 4-0 lead at the break having taken the opening three frames against world number 11 Gary Wilson.

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 3-1 Lisowski

Lisowski responds by smashing into the pack off one cushion leaving the outcome to complete luck. But he leaves an easy opener for Trump who goes on to take this fourth and final frame with a break of 58 and touches of exhibition before the interval to establish a two-frame cushion.

Trump 2-1 Lisowski (63-0)

Trump falls out of position falling low on the blue but his cue power allows him to go in and out of baulk and he is soon back in prime location to secure this fourth frame ahead of the interval.

After a series of blues and blacks the Ace in the Pack is approaching the winning line now. It goes wrong though as he hits the pack off the black when looking to roll past it for the final loose red and he is forced to play safe but he does so incredibly to leave his opponent snookered behind the yellow. There is 75 left on.

Trump 2-1 Lisowski (8-0)

Trump once again looks for the left centre following a containing safety shot from Lisowski but it hits the far jaw this time. Lisowski takes on an incredibly speculative pot into the green bag but he doesn't do any damage.

He does with his next safety shot though as he collides with a red on his way back into baulk allowing Trump to score first with a mid-distance red. He follows it up with an excellent pink into the green pocket after being hampered and is now in prime position on the blue.

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 2-1 Lisowski

A solid break of 66 from Trump gives him the 2-1 lead once again. It was a slack safety from Lisowski that he has to blame for the outcome of that one after looking to be getting on top perhaps. He will be desperate to take the next one to avoid trailing at the interval and to keep Trump in touching distance.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (54-32)

Trump dispatches the red with no issues using the extended rest and looks set to take the lead once again.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (45-32)

Lisowski's only possible insurance is a red that's close to the right cushion but it's close enough to the pocket that it shouldn't cause Trump a problem, particularly given his ability to use his right hand if needed.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (12-32)

Lisowski doesn't quite get a safety shot tight to the top cushion and Trump punishes this with a phenomenal pot into the left centre with so much pace on it. Trump now looks in a great position to turn this frame around.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (0-32)

Lisowski gets so unlucky as he looks for a full-ball kiss into a red following a brush off the pack but he just misses the contact and is now snookered from the black. Safety it is.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (0-15)

It's take two in this third frame but Trump is left with an almost identical red as he was last time out and he misses by a fair distance yet again. Lisowski is left a red this time and he makes no mistake to get up and running.

A brilliant blue into the green pocket allows the 33-year-old to work a position onto the black moments later to go into the pack but he loses the cue ball down the table. A wonderful double though keeps the break alive!

Trump 1-1 Lisowski

A red that drifts close to the left centre pocket has made this safety exchange awkward and a re-rack is called by both players.

Trump 1-1 Lisowski (0-0)

Trump is presented a chance at a long red from Lisowski's break but uncharacteristically misses by quite a long way. No damage done though.

Lisowski goes close with a speculative plant but leaves the red over the pocket for Trump to gobble up. He lands low on the blue though and looks to go through baulk and back to land on a red close to the black. He lands too close to the cushion though and instead takes one on into the right centre that hits the far jaw.

Lisowski is left a tricky one down the cushion into the yellow pocket and rattles the pocket.

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 1-1 Lisowski

A break of 34 from Lisowski brings this tie level. Despite needing three attempts to do so, the 33-year-old took the second frame in impressive fashion. He was unlucky for his early breaks to come to an end but has looked likely whenever presented with a pot. Both players looking on it so far.

Trump 1-0 Lisowski (0-53)

A good safety from Trump forces Lisowski into a long pot which he goes close to making but rattles the jaw of the pocket. He gets away with it slightly leaving Trump nothing easy.

Trump takes a long red into the green pocket but it doesn't quite drop. Lisowski can't see that red but can pick off another and he is back up and running. Both players have looked really sharp in the opening couple of frames.

Trump 1-0 Lisowski (0-34)

A good plant looks to have kept the break going but he fails to land on a colour and it's another break of 17 for Lisowski before he has to play safe.

Trump 1-0 Lisowski (0-33)

A thick safety shot from Trump means the cue ball fails to reach baulk while a red has been sent over the right centre and it's another chance for Lisowski.

A fortunate canon sees him land on the black and it's advantage Lisowski for this second frame.

Trump 1-0 Lisowski (0-17)

Lisowski gets really unlucky as he goes into the pack off the blue but gets snookered behind the pink and its end of break at 17.

Trump 1-0 Lisowski (0-4)

A loose break off from Trump presents an immediate chance for Lisowski who makes no mistake with a good long pot into the left corner pocket. Can he respond in an equally impressive fashion to Trump's clearance?

Elsewhere this afternoon

Trump 1-0 Lisowski

And just like that it's 1-0 to Trump in a flash. A total clearance of 126 and his 994th career century.

That's a really impressive start from the 35-year-old who appears to have shaken off any rust that was plaguing him in the start if his match yesterday.

Trump 0-0 Lisowski (68-0)

A really nice canon off the pack following a blue releases a few more reds for Trump to pick off and get closer to the finishing line in this opener.

With the final six reds in a cluster Trump looks to nudge a red into play off the pink but gets somewhat unlucky and doesn't have a clear pot but he spots a plant to keep the break going. A solid pot on the brown takes him 67 ahead with 67 left on. Another good red and the frame is surely his.

Trump 0-0 Lisowski (10-0)

It's Jack Lisowski who gets things underway in this last 16 opening frame with a tidy break off. Remember it's best of 11 contests in this round so a race two six.

Trump leads 11-5 in the pair's head to head and it's the Ace in the Pack who gets the first points in this contest with a good pot into the right centre from the baulk cushion. He puts a bit too much into the cue ball when potting the yellow and screwing down the table so requires a swerve shot to pot his next red but he makes it and is now in a good position to make a strong opening contribution.

Top 16 struggles

With the top 16 entering the fray in yesterday's fifth round it didn't go according to plan for many the big names. While Trump was able to turn things around, nine of his fellow top 16 fell at the first hurdle in Riyadh with the likes of Mark Allen, Mark Selby and John Higgins all falling to defeat.

Eyes on 1000

Judd Trump made his 993rd career century in his comeback on Wednesday, meaning he has just seven to go to become the second player to ever hit 1000 centuries after Ronnie O'Sullivan achieved the feat in 2019.

In action this afternoon

Trump kicks off comeback

'Maybe to get himself going' - Trump clings on against Wu with century in frame 6

Video credit: TNT Sports

Today’s other top picks

Elsewhere this afternoon, a resurgent Neil Robertson is in action taking on reigning Scottish and Welsh Open champion Gary Wilson after an impressive 5-3 win over familiar rival Mark Selby in round five for the Australian.

This evening sees 7-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan up against Zhang Ander after both players enjoyed convincing victories on Tuesday. The Rocket bagged two centuries on his way to a 5-1 victory over Lei Peifan while the Chinese player was in remarkable form knocking in three 138 breaks and a 128 break on his way to a whitewash over Ben Woollaston.

Meanwhile, world champion Kyren Wilson takes on Jimmy Robertson after the latter’s impressive 5-2 victory over John Higgins in the previous round.

Up first

Our opening coverage today sees world number one Judd Trump take on close friend Jack Lisowski for a spot in the quarter-finals in Riyadh. Trump survived an almighty scare in his opening match of the tournament as he came back from 4-0 down to win 5-4 against China’s Wu Yize on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old is one of the favourites to triumph this week having already picked up the Shanghai Masters in July before reaching the final of the Chinese Grand Prix at the end of August. The Ace in the Pack was rampant in Shanghai with a particularly eye-catching 10-3 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, today’s clash is Lisowski’s fourth of the Saudi Arabia Masters having joined proceedings in the third round. The world number 19 also narrowly avoided a scare in his first contest having only secured victory on the pink in a decider against Andrew Pagett. The 33-year-old has looked more convincing since then however, following a 5-2 victory against Martin O’Donnell before beating last season’s world championship finalist Jak Jones 5-3.

The narrative of the hunt for a first ranking title continues to grow around the talented Liswoski and what a tournament it would be to put those talks to bed with a £500,000 jackpot up for grabs.

Hello and welcome

Good morning and welcome along to LIVE coverage of the afternoon session of the last 16 at the Saudi Arabia Masters as Judd Trump takes on Jack Lisowski.