O'Sullivan and Murphy through

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan and world champion Shaun Murphy both battled back from behind to secure their places in the last 16 of the Grand Prix in Preston.

Crucible winner Murphy trailed Devonian left-hander Andy Hicks 2-0 after his opponent ran in breaks of 42 and 106 to forge ahead, while O’Sullivan lost his opening frame against opponent Anthony Hamilton.

But both the seeds safely navigated there way into the next stage with some special break-building.

Murphy turned on the style with century breaks of 120, 127 and one of 90, while O’Sullivan knocked in runs of 94, 100 and 96 to beat his former practice partner.

Hamilton started well with a 56 break which helped him win the opening frame of the afternoon, but the Rocket hit back to level after pinching a scrappy second.

O’Sullivan stretched his lead to 3-1, the highlight of which was his 94 break, but Hamilton hit back with a 49 run to reduce the arrears.

However, O’Sullivan finished the match in style with his two other high runs to secure his place in the last 16.

“He’s going to take some stopping,” said Hamilton.

“Shaun Murphy is playing well, but Ronnie can beat anyone if he puts his mind to it and focuses.

“He’d have won the World Championship last season if he had not lost his head against Peter Ebdon.”

O’Sullivan was “pleased” with his progress, but admitted he had only found a low gear in his match.

However, he feels the way he is currently playing is enough to win the tournament.

“I’m having to be a bit patient out there [in the arena],” he added.

“I’ve done what I had to do by beating Anthony, but I’m only into the last 16 and there’s still a lot of work to do.

“If I play like that though, that will be good enough to win it [the tournament].”

Former world champion Peter Ebdon was beaten 5-3 by Barry Hawkins, while emerging youngster Jamie Cope defeated Chris Norbury 5-2.

Hawkins started with a tournament high break of 141 in the opening frame and edged 3-1 ahead, before Ebdon hit back with a 93 run.

Hawkins snatched a scrappy sixth and Ebdon stayed in contact with a 65 break.

But Hawkins clinched the match and a place in the next round with a 50 run.

Cope led 2-0 until Norbury knocked in breaks of 117 and 66 to stay within touching distance.

Even though Cope only managed a high break of 50, it was still enough for the youngster to progress.