Ronnie O'Sullivan has ended any fears over his top-16 spot with a convincing 4-1 win over Marco Fu at the Welsh Open.
The Rocket, a triple world champion, had slipped down the rankings towards the end of 2011 and was perilously close to falling out of the top 16.
Had O'Sullivan done so he would have been forced to qualify for major events, such as the World Championship in Sheffield later this year.
However, O'Sullivan secured victory in the German Masters earlier this month to all but seal his top-16 spot and has now guaranteed his place with a convincing win over Fu in the Welsh Open.
O'Sullivan will now face Mark Williams in the last 16 following the Welshman's 4-3 victory over Andy Hicks.