SHEFFIELD (England), April 19: In-form Jimmy White beat Ireland’s Fergal O’Brien 10-5 to secure his place in the second round of the world championship on Tuesday.

Leading 8-1 from the opening session, White won two out six frames to complete a comfortable victory and set up a match against world number six Matthew Stevens.

White, 42, put his improved form down to a relaxed build-up to the tournament.

“For the first time in 11 years, I’ve stopped playing exhibition matches. I enjoy doing them, but it’s not the best preparation,” he said.

“This year’s the best preparation I’ve had for some time. I’m really happy with my game and I’m looking forward to playing Matthew.”

White, who has played and lost in six world finals, believes he is a serious contender for the title.

“I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t think I could win it. If I can produce the form I show on the practice table, I’m as good as anyone.”

Hong Kong’s Marco Fu was just three frames away from defeat in his first round tie against qualifier Allister Carter.

Fu, the world number 16, is 7-2 down in the best-of-19-frames match.

The 27-year-old struggled to find his form in the opening session, making only two half-century breaks.

Tuesday’s results:

Jimmy White (England) bt Fergal O’Brien (Ireland) 10-5 (110-15 68-31 87-25 65-81 69-56 72-34 83-0 67-66 76-28 8-77 0-76 80-18 0-106 6-73 108-0)

Monday’s results: 7-Ken Doherty (Ireland) beat Barry Pinches (England) 10-5 (25-59 68-34 0-77 11-63 0-102 69-9 0-73 74-34 125-0 95-0 109-1 76-2 101-22 82-14 59-26) Michael Holt (England) beat 4-Paul Hunter (England) 10-8 (93-22 0-85 70-35 0-68 17-70 12-98 78-16 59-63 70-53 67-36 64-36 64-56 8-119 68-56 67-7 2-120 30-62 68-42) Shaun Murphy (England) beat 12-Chris Small (Scotland) 10-5 (75-0 60-22 23-70 33-63 69-12 9-69 0-124 78-9 92-12 59-28 67-74 84-1 105-0 59-14 80-32).—Reuters