Mark Williams is still in “holiday mode” according to snooker legend Jimmy White despite prevailing in his opening match of the Northern Ireland Open.

Williams arrived at the Waterfront Arena as defending champion but had to work hard in his 4-2 win over Alfie Burden, despite three 50+ breaks.

But White believes the current world champion can reach far greater heights in Belfast.

Just being in the second round is a blessing in itself for the Welshman, however, with home favourite Mark Allen among those to exit on the opening day after losing out to China’s Nia Zhuang.

John Higgins lost to Rory McLeod for the first time in his career while Barry Hawkins was also a surprise early casualty, losing 4-3 to Chen Zifan.

“Rory McLeod had lost the first six times against John Higgins so seven must be his lucky number, then there’s Barry Hawkins who’s also gone in that top 16 – he’ll be very disappointed,” said White.

“Mark Allen was playing the best snooker in the past three or four weeks out of anyone, he won the International and had 14 centuries, then carried his form to the Champion of Champions.

“So this is a big shock, the guy to beat him was 7/1 to win the match.

“Williams won three frames in one visit but he still seems in a bit of holiday mode, this was the start of a crest of a wave for him last year but if he wins the next couple of rounds, he’ll be giving in 100 per cent.

“Northern Ireland has always been a great hotbed of snooker, Alex Higgins probably made the game what it is, but this is always a great place to come and play.

“The Waterfront is one of the best venues on the tour.”

Watch the Northern Ireland Open live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds