Gary Wilson hopes that next week's BetVictor Welsh Open will inspire a return to form as he recalls memories of his triumph in Llandudno a year ago.
Wilson landed his third ranking title when he beat Martin O'Donnell 9-4 in the final at Venue Cymru, following a tremendous 6-4 semi-final victory over John Higgins which included a 147.
"It was a great week, I felt very calm and relaxed," recalls the 39-year-old Tynesider. "Beating John and making a 147 was obviously a highlight, that was the best match I played in the tournament. Going into the final I was determined not to let my guard down. That's the attitude I have taken into the three finals I have won - to stay level headed and give it everything. My game was in a good place that week.
"To win a third ranking title so soon after my second title at the Scottish Open a few weeks earlier was a bit of a surprise to me but a great feeling. Winning breeds winning and I was on a great run at the time."
Since then, Wilson has not added to his trophy collection, and in recent weeks he has suffered a run of early exits from tournaments, notably at the BetVictor Scottish Open where, as defending champion, he lost 4-2 to Long Zehuang, and at the Johnstone's Paint Masters where he went down 6-3 against Shaun Murphy.
When asked for the secret of his success, the legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said that "the secret is in the dirt" - in other words there is no substitute for hitting ball after ball on the practice range. Wilson concurs that the only way to find improvement in his game is to figure it out on the baize.
"I have tried looking into the mental side, psychology, hypnotherapy...but always felt I'm alright on that side, that's not what the problem is," he said. "I am just working on the practice table and hoping something clicks, because it can change very quickly in this game. I am honest with myself and I know I am not the best player in the world, which means I have to work harder to compete with the best.
"I know I need to stop trying to emulate other players and the way they strike the ball, and to stop changing my cue action because those things can lead down a rabbit hole. For me the answer is keeping a level head and practising hard, and if I can find something that works then that will manifest itself in matches. I believe deep down I am good enough. I'm not one to spend time reflecting on winning tournaments because that can lead to complacency. In this game you can't take anything for granted, you have to constantly keep proving yourself."
Next's week's tournament is a critical moment in the season, as it's the final counting event for qualification for the World Grand Prix. Wilson is currently 30th in the Johnstone's Paint One-Year Rankings and must stay inside the top 32 to earn a place in Hong Kong. That will also impact on the race to the Crucible, where he currently sits 15th.
"It's important to be in the World Grand Prix, I'm not really looking beyond that in terms of the Players Series," he added. "If I can get to the Crucible as a top 16 seed then it could still end up a decent season. But for now I'm just trying to play well and win matches."
The BetVictor Welsh Open runs from February 10-16 and Wilson defends the title in a strong field which includes the likes of Kyren Wilson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Mark Allen, Neil Robertson, Mark Williams and many more. Tickets are still available from as little as £33 for a full day. For details click here.