The Chester cueman is in last-16 action from 2pm with his match-up against Elliott Slessor, the world number 22.

Walden built on his opening round victory over former world champion Neil Robertson by beating Joe O’Connor 4-3 with a top break of 53.

Walden led 3-1 at one stage in the second round encounter and although O’Connor levelled, the 43-year-old took the decider 65-52.

A three-time ranking event winner, Walden is in danger of dropping out of the top 64 and surrendering his place on the main tour after dropping to 56th on the projected end-of-season list but a good run in Belfast will help improve his position.