Ken Doherty remained on course for a third Regal Welsh Open title at Cardiff International Arena today having overcome the spirited challenge of Belfast's Joe Swail.
The Dubliner rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Swail 5-4, wrapping up a tense deciding frame with a 51 break.
The former world champion goes forward to face Leo Fernandez or defending champion Paul Hunter, his conqueror in last year's final.
Meanwhile, Mark Williams made getting out of bed at an unusually early hour worthwhile as he secured a quarter-final spot in the Stg£597,200 world-ranking event with a 5-2 victory over Joe Perry.
But Williams, who finished off in style with a century break, still believes there is room for improvement.
"My form's a lot better than it was a while ago but I'm not playing as well as when I won at the Crucible in 2000," he said.
"There are still some things I can work on," insisted the 27-year-old, who recently moved into a new house 15 minutes from the venue.
"Of course there are advantages about being able to play at home. I get a lot of support here but there's also disadvantages. Having so many family and friends coming to see you creates extra pressure, but I'm coping at the moment."