Ronnie O'Sullivan begins his bid for back-to-back TV ranking titles as he takes to the baize in Newport to face Marco Fu in round one.

Watch and bet on live Welsh Open Snooker at Bet365 > Live streaming > Snooker

The Rocket proved he still has what it takes to win major titles by winning the German Masters at the start of the month, demonstrating new-found mental strength along with his undoubted talent to lift the title in Berlin.

Twice a winner of this event, O'Sullivan is joint favourite to claim victory again this weekend but faces a tough quarter of the draw that could see him face local hero Mark Williams and Judd Trump.

Hong Kong ace Marco Fu will be out to tear up the script by exploiting Ronnie over the short format.

Fu has slipped down the rankings but showed his class with a good run at the UK Championship in December. He also made a terrific 147 at the recent World Open qualifiers and remains deadly when given a chance.

The world number 24 will be encouraged by his good record against the three-time world champion, having won six of their twelve meetings in total.

O'Sullivan could come out relaxed safe in the knowledge that he will not have to qualify for the World Championships in April and a relaxed Rocket could mean danger for Fu this afternoon.

Resident Welshman Mark Williams won through to the last 16 yesterday and awaits the winner of this eagerly anticipated tie.

The bookmakers make Ronnie the firm 2/7 favourite to progress today, with Fu the 5/2 outsider for victory with Bet365.

The match begins at 1pm and will be streamed live over the best of seven frames from the Newport Centre, Wales.

For details of how to watch the match live in high quality online, click here