The round of 16 saw Steve Davis overcome reigning champion Doug Mountjoy 9–5. World number four and three-time world champion John Spencer was defeated by Bill Werbeniuk 8–9. Former winner Patsy Fagan defeated two-time Pot Black champion Graham Miles 9–5.
In the round of 16, Steve Davis outperformed Doug Mountjoy, the reigning champion, winning by a margin of 9–5. John Spencer, ranked fourth and a three-time world champion, was defeated by Bill Werbeniuk with a score of 8–9. Patsy Fagan, a former winner, bested Graham Miles, who had won twice in Pot Black, with a final score of 9–5.