Jack Lisowski came through a tough challenge in his first qualifying match at the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship, beating Rory Thor 6-4 to reach the final round.
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Lisowski reached the semi-finals of this event two years ago but has since dropped out of the world's top 16 so must negotiate the qualifiers in Leicester this week. He will play Scott Donaldson or Bai Yulu on Wednesday, with the winner to go through to York for the final stages which start on Saturday.
After sharing the first two frames, Thor made a break of 124 to lead 2-1, then Lisowski hit back with 61 and 70 to edge 3-2 ahead. The next two were shared, then Thor made a superb 65 clearance to snatch frame eight from 52 points behind, levelling at 4-4. The Malaysian had chances in the ninth and led 41-0 when he ran out of position, allowing Lisowski to clear with 76 to regain the lead. That proved the turning point as world number 21 Lisowski finished with a 123.
"Every game is tough and it was close tonight," said Lisowski. "At 4-4 it was in the balance but I felt great at the end, and in a way it's good to be tested because you learn more that way. I'm relieved to get through because the first round is always a bit nervy. If I practise hard and apply myself on the day, I've always got a chance. I have been in Dubai recently but I have been working hard there."
Stephen Maguire because the third player to make 100 centuries in the UK Championship, joining Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry, with a 119 during a 6-3 defeat of Artemijs Zizins. Crucible runner-up Jak Jones enjoyed a 6-2 win over Ian Burns, while Stuart Bingham ended the run of amateur Oliver Sykes with a 6-3 success.
Bingham, whose top break was 129, said: "There have been times this season where I have felt I am playing well enough to win a tournament. I'm not quite the player I was in 2015, there are a few yips in there and my arm gets tight sometimes. But I have played some very good matches this season. I haven't qualified for York for a couple of years so I would love to get there this time."
China's Fan Zhengyi came from 2-0 down to beat Florian Nuessle 6-2, firing breaks of 104 and 133, while Jackson Page won a Welsh derby against Jamie Clarke 6-4.
Round three continues on Tuesday, followed by Judgement Day on Wednesday and Thursday.