O’Brien shocks Walden in Australian Open

The Irishman is through to the second round of the tournament after last frame heroics

Fergal O’Brien. Photograph: Inpho
Fergal O’Brien. Photograph: Inpho

Ireland's Fergal O'Brien has beaten World championship semi-finalist Ricky Walden 5-4 in the first round of the Australian Open.

World number two Mark Selby survived a scare b efore beating resilient Scot Ian Burns. Selby trailed throughout and needed to win the last two frames to go through, something he duly did to secure a 5-4 victory.

There were no such troubles for Shaun Murphy, a regular sparring partner of Selby, as he beat Michael White 5-1. Two other games today were decided on the final frame, with Dominic Dale and O'Brien the victors. Dale held his nerve to get the better of Mike Dunn. Elsewhere, Joe Perry whitewashed Xiao Guodong 5-0 and Alfie Burden beat Michael Holt 5-2.