Paul Hunter sent John Parrott back to his television couch after completing victory in the penultimate first-round match on Thursday.

Parrott made the most of his 21st successive Sheffield appearance but Masters champion Hunter eventually gained a 10-7 victory.

The 1991 winner said: "I was like an old boxer who had the ringcraft but didn't have a punch."

Indeed, the 39-year-old Liverpudlian made just two half-centuries in the five-hour contest while Hunter knocked in two tons, including a tournament high of 132, plus other runs of 71, 55, 64, 58 and 90.

Veteran Parrott continued: "It was all about containment, especially in the first session yesterday.

"I didn't want to find myself 7-2 or 8-1 down.

"The 14th frame was massive because I bossed it entirely before twitching on one into the middle.

"However, Paul comes out with a lot of credit. There were a couple of outrageous blacks he potted I wouldn't have wanted to get for my life.

"And I'm sure he will be better for a tough match like that."

Hunter now plays his best pal Matthew Stevens for a potential quarter-final against defending champion Mark Williams.

"Matthew and I are great mates off the table," confirmed the world number eight from Leeds.

"But we will be enemies for the next couple of days.

"He wants to win the world championship just as much as I do."