Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he had not practicsed since competing at the Welsh Open last month after squeaking through the first round of the World Grand Prix on Monday.

The 39-year-old, who has a property in Chigwell, beat world number 35 Rob Lawler 4-2 to reach the last 16 of the inaugural tournament at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru.

Speaking after his opening-round victory, the ‘Rocket’ said: “Today was the first time I have picked my cue up since the last tournament. I was very rusty and didn’t expect to win tonight.

“I’ve been enjoying life so I didn’t want to force myself to the practice table. If I can get through to Friday I might have half a chance, but you can’t expect to take a month off and then come and compete with these guys.

“If I practised for four hours a day, I’d be favourite to win most tournaments. But I’d rather do stuff that floats my boat,” he added.

The opening frame was a scrappy affair, with O’Sullivan in charge before Lawler levelled with a break of 115 in the second. And the next two frames were shared before O’Sullivan took the fifth and sixth to seal his place in Wednesday evening’s last 16.

Next up for O’Sullivan is Robert Milkins, who beat Michael White 4-2 on Tuesday evening.

O’Sullivan had claimed he would “be going home” if he faced White, who recently won the Indian Open.