Kyren Wilson looks to Shanghai Masters quarter-final with 'legend' Mark Williams after defeating Ronnie O'Sullivan - 'I hope he's had a shave'

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Kyren Wilson set up a Shanghai Masters quarter-final meeting with Mark Williams on Tuesday as the defending champion defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-4 in an entertaining second-round clash. Wilson was 3-1 up at one stage but was pegged back by The Rocket to set up a tense finish.

Watch: Classy century puts Wilson 'in command' against O'Sullivan

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, the Warrior regained his composure to progress to the next round of the tournament at the expense of O'Sullivan.

Wilson will now take on another Class of '92 legend later this week as he seeks to go back-to-back in China.

And ahead of the showdown with Williams, who beat Chris Wakelin 6-5 earlier in the day, Wilson joked that the Welshman needs to pick up a razor and give his facial hair a trim prior to the final-eight clash.

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"I hope he's had a shave for that game," Wilson said. "He's class. We get on really well, and I love playing those guys.

"It's always good fun, it's always a good experience, but you've got to put that to one side, and try and beat a legend."

'Well done, Kyren' - Wilson calls foul after touching red with hand

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Speaking after the win over O'Sullivan, Wilson was asked how pleasing it was to eventually work his way past his compatriot to book a quarter-final spot.

"It is always great playing in Shanghai and somebody of the class of Ronnie O'Sullivan," Wilson said.

"You know the crowd are going to come out in their numbers when he is playing. It inspires me and makes me want to play snooker.

"I have my kids with me and I wanted to show them how amazing snooker is out here. I hope they enjoyed that one."

Wilson has endured a tough time away from snooker in recent months with his wife battling health issues.

However, the 34-year-old said that it has been "nice" to focus on the sport.

"It has been really tough off the table, not just on me but on all of the family," Wilson continued.

"That is life. You have to move on, and you have to deal with it. Coming into this tournament, it has been nice to just play snooker again and get that noise out of my head.

Watch: Williams seals frame with spectacular red pot

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"It is never going to go away completely, but playing in front of such a wonderful crowd in Shanghai makes you appreciate being a snooker player."

Wilson is hoping to win the Shanghai Masters for the third time in his career, having won the competition for the first time in 2015, when he beat Judd Trump, while he defeated Ali Carter in last year's final.