SHEFFIELD, APRIL 21: Welshman Mark Williams, rated a serious contender for the World Snooker Championship, reached the second round yesterday with a 10-4 win over England's Ian McCulloch.But fifth seed Williams, who made a break of 140 in the fourth frame, insisted he would not be bowed by the weight of expectancy.``I know that a lot of people are talking about me winning the title, but I won't let that affect me,'' he said.Former champions Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis were struggling in first round matches against Paul Hunter and Joe Perry respectively.Hendry, who suffered a first round defeat against Jimmy White last year, saw Hunter take the first two frames.The Scot clawed his way back to edge ahead but England's Hunter claimed the last frame of the session to cut Hendry's advantage to 5-4.Davis was in a worse position, with Championship newcomer and English compatriot Perry establishing a commanding a 7-2 overnight lead.James Wattana of Thailand won a landmark match 10-8.Theopening round match between Wattana and Hong Kong prospect Marco Fu was the first all-Asian encounter in the World Finals.It was keenly contested as Fu fought back after trailing 5-4 overnight to lead 8-7.But Fu, ranked 377th in the world at the start of the season, was unable to sustain his challenge.Wattana compiled a break of 136 on his way to claim the three frames he required for victory.The Thai admitted it had been a tough battle. ``I just couldn't get away from him,'' he said. ``Marco is such a good player and there was a lot of pressure on me.''World No.16 Mark King of England held off a determined challenge from gritty Welshman Darren Morgan to win 10-8.
