Australia's 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson scored an important 4-1 win over English amateur Paul Deaville to get his campaign underway at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Riyadh.
The Thunder from Down Under had one of his worst seasons as a professional in 23/24, slumping to 27th position in the world rankings. However, he is determined to mount a resurgence this season after practising throughout the summer period.
Robertson top scored with 66 during today's victory, which sees him book a fourth round meeting with China's Gong Chenzhi. After this evening's tie Robertson stated he's confident that the work he has been putting in will pay off.
"In my experience you never know when the big wins might be around the corner. In my career when I've had a big win, soon after a sequence of titles have headed my way. I've been working hard, practising well and enjoying the game. That is the important thing. I've been happy in life. It is fair to say that last year I wasn't enjoying the game," said 23-time ranking event winner Robertson.
"Last season I wasn't enjoying going to tournaments. This year it is the complete opposite. I'm much more positive and I can't be playing any better than I am. It has been going incredibly well when I've been practising. It is just about being patient, playing the right shots, keeping my cool and I'm sure I will get back to where I think I should be in the game.
"For me this is a 10/10 tournament. The playing conditions are great, practice facilities are incredible, the hotels are great. It is just brilliant. This is my first time here, I didn't know what it was going to be like. To see it is incredible. You want to stick around for as long as possible."
Noppon Saengkham made the first maximum break of the season during his 4-1 win over Amir Sarkhosh. The contribution puts him in line for a bumper £50,000 payout. After the match, the Thai admitted he was eyeing up the perfect break early on.
Saengkham said: "When I potted the first red, I tried to make a maximum. I knew that this was a big event with big money. I asked myself after the first red to try and make a maximum. I went for it and I did it."
Jack Lisowski dug deep to keep his campaign alive after a 4-3 win over Welshman Andrew Pagett. The six-time ranking event finalist claimed a 35-minute decider on the pink to seal his progression. Next up he faces Martin O'Donnell.
Former British Open winner Ryan Day overcame Stan Moody 4-2, while Lyu Haotian edged a 4-3 thriller with Marco Fu.