Mark Davis is hoping for a productive week both on and off the table at the ManBetX Welsh Open in Cardiff.

The Hastings potter eased into the second round at the Motorpoint Arena with a polished 4-1 triumph over Luo Honghao, adjusting to life back with a cue in his hand with aplomb after almost two months away from ranking events.

And the world No.32, who failed to qualify for either the German or European Masters before Christmas, is looking forward to his week in the Welsh capital for more reasons than one.

“I like it down here in Cardiff - it’s not actually too far from me which makes a change,” he said.

“I’ve got friends down here who I don’t see that often so it’s nice to catch up with them when I’m here.

“The venue’s good, everything’s close by, and I didn’t even need to drive as I came down with Jimmy Robertson.

“It’s just nice to relax away from the table when I’m here - it’s nice to catch up with people I haven’t seen for a while, but it’s not like I focus too much on matches anyway to be honest.

“I just try and relax and not think about my next game, but I suppose seeing old friends does take your mind off it.”

The experienced 47-year-old has shown glimpses of promise on the circuit this season, reaching the third round at the Betway UK Championship and the Haining Open in China.

But with a second round clash with Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo now looming, Davis says he’s still not sure about the shape his game is in.

“Who knows if my game is in good form - I could start playing really well for all I know so we’ll have to see what happens,” he added.

“No set-up is the same at different events so that’s the sort of thing you need to get used to, and the more you can do that the better.

“I’m not the greatest practicer in terms of how I perform, but I just need to try and learn and prepare myself the best I can.”

Watch the Welsh Open live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds