Snooker: Williams sees off Hicks threat

The world No 2 Mark Williams squeezed past Andy Hicks 4-3 in the first round of the 888 Welsh Open in Newport yesterday.

The twice world champion from Wales trailed three times to his Devon opponent, but the Englishman was unable to get over the line.

There was a more straightforward afternoon's work for Stephen Lee, who overcame his fellow Englishman Michael Holt 4-1.