The Chester cueman, a three-time ranking event winner, currently lies 56th on the projected end-of-season list and in danger of dropping out of the top 64 which would mean he would surrender his card.

Although he is in danger of tour relegation, the 43-year-old looked in excellent shape as he beat world number four Neil Robertson 4-1 in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open, making breaks of 75 and 76 to progress.

Walden, who reached a career-high world ranking of six in March 2015, showed improved form with a run to the last 16 of the recent Shenzhen Open and built on that with a fine display against former world champion Robertson to set up a second round clash with Joe O’Connor.

However, he hasn’t reached the quarter-finals of a ranking event since this tournament in Belfast three years ago and remains in a perilous position

The 43-year-old admits his current ranking reflects his recent performances, but believes he still has plenty to offer despite spending much of his time in qualifying events.

Asked about his position in the rankings, Walden told the official World Snooker Tour website: “I have made peace with that.

“You can look at the rankings, but if you are not playing well enough then you deserve to be where you are.

“I am just trying to enjoy each game, I am pretty chilled about it.

“I know what I can still do, other people maybe don’t see that because it’s tough when you are only in qualifying.

“I actually feel more relaxed playing on the TV table.”

Ronnie O’Sullivan suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats of his career as he crashed out in the opening round in Belfast.

The seven-time world champion was stunned by world number 110 Cheung Ka Wai, who rattled off three frames in a row to clinch a 4-3 win – his first in a main draw knockout match at a ranking event.

O’Sullivan was playing his first match in the UK since his 13-12 second-round defeat to John Higgins at the World Championship in Sheffield in April.

But despite racking up a 138 total clearance in the second frame, a series of blunders let in the Hong Kong qualifier to nervelessly take advantage and seal his place in the second round.

Cheung said: “It’s the best moment for me on the snooker tour. To be honest I was a little bit scared of playing him but my coach told me, whether I win or lose, to get the best experience possible.”

Four-time former champion Judd Trump became the latest big name to crash out of the tournament as he lost a final-frame decider to Martin O’Donnell.