Defending champion Mark Williams has made a winning start to the this year’s Six-red World Championship after beating Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in his Group A opener on Monday.

The world number two was playing the same man he beat in the final 12 months ago, but he made light work of securing the victory, as he prevailed 5-1 to move to the top of his group.

The Welshman has enjoyed a renaissance since winning last tear’s event in Bangkok, as he has triumphed in a further three tournaments, most notably as he claimed a third World Championship crown in May.

Williams has also impressed so far this season, as he was victorious at the recent World Open, although he has been joined at the top of Group A by Englishman Tom Ford, who edged compatriot Ricky Walden 5-4 in his opening match.

In Group B another Welshman laid down his credentials as Ryan Day beat Nutcharut Wongharuthai 5-1, while Scotland’s Stephen Maguire also made a winning start as he saw off China’s Luo Honghao 5-2.

The opening matches in Group D were also played on Monday morning and there was a victory for Kyren Wilson, who is fresh from winning last week’s Paul Hunter Classic, as he whitewashed Marvin Lim Chun Kiat 5-0.

Graeme Dott was also a comfortable winner in that group, beating Michael White by the same scoreline.

The top two players from each group will advance through to the knockout stages in Bangkok, with the final scheduled to take place on Saturday.