Mark Williams admits he must improve if he is to successfully defend his title at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast.

The 43-year-old is looking to bounce back this week after suffering an early exit to Kyren Wilson at the Champion of Champions.

He certainly didn’t look at his very best in the opening round in Northern Ireland on Monday, but managed to do enough to edge past world number 87 Alfred Burden.

The Welshman made breaks of 91, 69 and 91 to seal a 4-2 victory and book his place in the last 64 where he will face another tough test against Ali Carter.

Williams, who is priced at 13.00 to win the UK Championship 2018, accepts he must step up his game on Wednesday if he is to go deep into the competition in Belfast this week.

“It is just about winning in the first round. I had three one-visit frames which is alright in a best-of-seven. The bits in between were scrappy but I am still in so hopefully I can improve,” Williams said.

“It is just nice to come here to try to defend a title. I haven’t had the opportunity to do that for ages. It is going to be very difficult.

“To win an event with best of seven matches two years on the trot is nearly impossible, but I will try my best and see how far I can get.”