England’s Ronnie O’Sullivan will be hoping to improve his performances when he takes on David Gilbert in the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Open.

The 42-year-old has breezed through to the last eight after four convincing wins in Belfast.

O’Sullivan started the week against Soheil Vahedi and he recorded a 4-0 success. He then overcame China’s Mei Xiwen on Wednesday to set up a clash with fellow countrymen Tom Ford.

Ford was no match for ‘Rocket’ as he lost 4-0, while he then moved up a gear to overcome Zhou Yuelong.

O’Sullivan has spent the majority of the week debating the future of the sport, but he admits he will now look to get serious.

After his win over Xiwen this week, he admits the first few rounds are there to have fun.

He told World Snooker: “Seven matches in a tournament is like a marathon or an ironman.

“The winning line is a long way away. I get interested at the last 16 stage or the quarter-finals.

Until that comes I am just going to go for everything in sight, try to be creative and try to have fun. I shouldn’t really change my game no matter what. The aim is to have fun.”

O’Sullivan remains the red hot favourite for Friday’s meeting and he is 1.22 to win, with Gilbert 4.00 to pull off an upset.