SHOKAT Ali's Regal Welsh Open hopes were dashed at the first-round stage as former champion Paul Hunter renewed his love affair with the tournament at the Cardiff International Arena.

Hunter, who two years ago won the title as a 19-year-old, advanced to the last 32 with a 5-2 defeat of Accrington-based Ali and is now eyeing another extended run in the event, worth £62,000 to the winner.

The world number 12 said: "It's been a good tournament for me in the past and it would be nice to have another long run.

"I've done well in this event before. Hopefully, if I can go far again I'll get closer to the top eight - which is my aim for this season.

"It wasn't a bad performance against Shokat, but I know I'll have to play better later on in the tournament if I'm going to win it again."

Ali was up against it as Hunter compiled breaks of 51, 60 and 88 in building a 3-1 lead but showed signs of a recovery before a slip-up allowed the Leeds man in to set up a meeting with Martin Dziewialtowski, a Scot of Latvian descent, for a place in the last 16.

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