Ronnie O’Sullivan breezes into World Open fourth round after comprehensive 5-0 victory over Matthew Selt in Yushan
By Becky Hart
Published 18/03/2026 at 08:41 GMT
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Ronnie O'Sullivan advanced to the fourth round of the World Open in Yushan, China on Wednesday after he beat Matthew Selt 5-0 in the early session. O’Sullivan is chasing a first title of 2026, having yet to make it past the round of 16 in a tournament this year, but looks to have recaptured some of his best form this week. Shaun Murphy awaits in the next round.
O'Sullivan completes whitewash victory over Selt to set up Murphy clash
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O’Sullivan defeated Matthew Selt in the World Open without losing a frame, beating his fellow Englishman 5-0 in their third-round clash.
A century break of 138 in the second frame was the highlight for O’Sullivan, who also made breaks of 77 and 96 as Selt was not given enough time at the table to really get into the match.
Having already claimed that recapturing his best form would be his "biggest achievement" in snooker, O’Sullivan certainly looks to be going in the right direction in Yushan.
The Rocket beat Ross Muir 5-1 in the first round, before receiving a walkover in the second. Victory over Selt means this is the deepest O’Sullivan has gone into a tournament in 2026.
The 50-year-old has given himself two years to sort out his cueing action, as he aims to find some form ahead of a return to Sheffield next month for the World Championship.
His last major title was all the way back in 2024 at the World Grand Prix, where he beat Judd Trump in the final, while his last final was at the Saudi Arabia Masters last August.
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'Brilliant stuff' - O'Sullivan speeds through 'beautiful' century break
Video credit: TNT Sports
O’Sullivan will play Shaun Murphy in the fourth round. Murphy showed some very good form in his third round clash with Xu Si, winning 5-1.
Having lost the opening frame, Murphy bounced back with breaks of 127 in the second frame, 117 in the third, 100 in the fourth and 120 in the sixth to set up a blockbuster clash with O'Sullivan.
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Kyren Wilson also advanced with relative ease, beating Allan Taylor 5-1 on Wednesday, a century break in the final frame sealing the match for the world No. 2.
The World Open runs between March 16-22, live on TNT Sports and on-demand on discovery+.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
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