Mark Williams looks to be hitting top form again in time for next week's Welsh Open in Newport after last night's blistering 5-1 victory over world number four Paul Hunter in snooker's Premier League.

The two-time world champion racked up three century breaks in six frames in his most impressive showing of a pretty ordinary season so far.

"I have not made three century breaks all season yet I've just had three in a match," joked Williams, who picked up £8,000 for less than two hours work.

"I needed to play like that because my season so far has been quite bad.

"Now I need to keep that kind of form up and hopefully that will be a stepping stone to better things."

Meanwhile rival Ronnie O'Sullivan has been bookies favourite at 7/4 to retain his Welsh Open title, with Williams at 8/1.

The Rocket beat Steve Davis 9-8 in last year's final and has since won the Embassy World Championship and totesport Grand Prix.

Tim Pickering, totesport's snooker odds compiler, said: "O'Sullivan has had the chance to recharge his batteries and will definitely be the man to beat at the Newport Centre.

"The player we will be watching with most interest is Stephen Maguire. His performances this season have catapulted him into our radar."

Neath-based Dominic Dale visited Newport last Tuesday to promote the event.

"This tournament is like my world championship, I enjoy having a lot of support and being on home territory," said the world No 32.

"There can be a lot of pressure, especially if you are the last Welsh player in the event, as I was last year when I reached the semi-finals. I'd love to get through to the later stages again."

The Welsh Open begins at the Newport Centre on Monday and runs until January 23. Tickets are still available and start at just £5. For more details and to book seats call 01633- 656757.