Steve Davis, at 47 the professional game's oldest competitor, proved that his ability remains as strong as his desire to win at the Guild Hall yesterday by reaching the last 16 of the Totesport Grand Prix.

Davis, in his 27th season, defeated Tony Drago 5-1 after some adept safety play, faultless concentration and, by his own admission, a huge amount of luck. "I had some outrageous flukes and couldn't bear to look at Tony at times," said the world No13.

"The etiquette is that you apologise but I didn't because players never mean it. I said sorry at the end of the match and he said he'd get me back the next time we played nine-ball pool."

The world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, complaining of a chest infection, failed to attend his post-match press conference but produced a solid performance to beat Northern Ireland's Joe Swail 5-1. O'Sullivan, yesterday named player of the year by the Snooker Writers' Association, clung to a mug of hot water throughout much of the contest. His next opponent is Scotland's Graeme Dott, who he beat in the world championship final last May, who beat Dominic Dale 5-2.

Dott has his own distractions. His wife Elaine is due to give birth at any time but the world No15 is determined to stay in Preston for his meeting with O'Sullivan, where a large crowd is assured after his match with Dale failed to attract a single spectator.

"Three people turned up but they must have been lost because they went away again," he said. "Obviously, the atmosphere will be better against Ronnie. I'm not looking at it in terms of getting revenge; it's more that I can't wait to play him."

Neil Robertson, an Australian left-hander ranked 68th in the world, defeated Andy Hicks to reach the third round, where he will play Joe Perry, a 5-3 winner against David Gray.