Ronnie O'Sullivan avoided a potential banana skin from former world champion Peter Ebdon to book his place in the last 16 of the 2012 World Championship with a 10-4 victory.
For a full range of World Championship markets, visit Betfred
Three-time champion O'Sullivan made light work of the recent China Open champion and secured the three frames he needed in the second session to reach the next round.
The Chigwell ace carried a commanding 7-2 advantage into the second and final session this afternoon and inevitably finished the job courtesy of a series of mid-range breaks.
The duo traded the first four frames of the session to make the scoreline 9-4 at the mid-session interval, but the Rocket was in no mood to hang around after the break and sealed the win with a cool half century.
"I enjoyed playing," said O'Sullivan. "I've got a good attitude now I'm not beating myself up so I'm much better mentally. I'm just pleased to be here If I win it I win it, If I don't it's not the end of the world.
Peter's a top player, he won our last tournament in China and it wasn't an easy draw, I expected a tough game and that's what I got," he added.
O'Sullivan remains on a collision course with Mark Williams in the next round, should the Welshman defeat Chinese qualifier Liu Chuang.
For Ebdon, a hugely successful season ended in disappointment and the 41-year-old was left to reflect on a tough year after tragically losing his Father to cancer.
"I had plenty of chances but it never happened for me, it's not a nice way to end the season," said Ebdon.
"Ronnie didn't play that well to beat me and he'll need to improve if he's to go any further but you can never write him off, he's a genius."
The Force, who won this title a decade ago, then burst into tears as he recalled what has been a tough year in his personal life.
"I miss my Dad so much. When he passed away last year I never thought I'd play again. I know he would have been proud of me winning the China Open and I know he's with me"
Elsewhere today bookmakers favourite Judd Trump edged into a 5-4 first session lead over veteran Dominic Dale.
The youngster played through the pain barrier, having been struck down by food poisoning the night before and immeadiately appeared under the weather as he stepped out into the arena.
The Bristolian left-hander bared a pale face and began in nervous fashion, losing a marathon 45 minute opening frame to the Welshman.
Trump however recovered to level the match soon after, but fell 3-1 behind as the methodical Dale captialised on his opponent's misfortunes.
The short interval seemed to revive the youngster as he complied four breaks of over 50 to turn the tables and take a 5-4 lead into tomorrow's concluding session.
Ryan Day takes a surprise 5-4 lead into his opener against China's number one Ding Junhui, while veteran Joe Perry storms into an 8-0 lead over 2006 champion Graeme Dott.
Watch both press conferences here:
Ronnie O’Sullivan odds-on to defend world title
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins World Snooker Championship (in pictures)
Sensational Ronnie O'Sullivan claims fifth world title
World Snooker Championship Final 2013 - O`Sullivan v Hawkins in-play betting tips
Ronnie O`Sullivan v Barry Hawkins Live Stream World Championship 2013 Final Preview