Paul Hunter held his nerve to claim a thrilling victory over world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan in the British Open at Telford.

Hunter made a break of 52 in the decider to win 5-4 and claim a quarter-final place.

O'Sullivan was followed out of the tournament by world champion Peter Ebdon, who continued his disappointing start to the season with a 5-3 defeat to Alan McManus.

Hunter, the world number nine, fought with O'Sullivan all the way through a pulsating contest, which started with a break of 114 from the 'Rocket', his 300th century in competition.

Only Stephen Hendry, with almost 600, has made more tons.

O'Sullivan provided further evidence of his scoring prowess when he made another century of 134 in the fourth frame, which could have been a tournament best 141 had he not missed a tricky final black.

But Hunter, the reigning Regal Welsh Open and Benson and Hedges Masters champion, refused to be bowed and fired in efforts of 69, 68 and 98 to lead 4-3.

But in the eighth frame he missed a plant from which O'Sullivan cleared up to the black with 45.

O'Sullivan failed to carry the momentum into the decider, and Hunter's 52 was eventually sufficient to send the crowd favourite packing.

"I'm not disappointed to be honest - I'm happy I got beaten because I half expected it.," O'Sullivan said.

"I'm not going to say I'll quit the game but I'm not really bothered any more. I'll just keep turning up and try to enjoy it as much as it can.

"I've got no confidence at the moment but that's the way it goes."

Hunter, who now plays Anthony Hamilton for a place in the semi-finals, was more upbeat.

"It was a great match - he made two centuries but I didn't do a lot wrong and the standard lasted the whole match," he said.

"I started off the underdog so didn't feel as much pressure as I might have.

"Most of the crowd were on his side and if you can't get yourself up for playing Ronnie you shouldn't be out there."