Tyrone's Patrick Wallace stunned former world champion Ken Doherty in the LG Cup at Preston today and then dedicated his 5-3 win to friend Barry McNamee, who was tragically killed earlier this year.
World number 36 Wallace admitted he was fortunate to catch Dubliner Doherty on a bad day.
But with only one event left to play before the New Year once his LG Cup campaign his over, Wallace is not complaining.
"Whatever happens here now I've got some confidence back," said the Dungannon-based professional.
"I just wish I had more tournaments to use it in. I had a bad time at the qualifiers in Burton and whatever I do here I'll be living off until January.
"I've got a couple of pro-ams lined up and I'm also hoping to organise a tournament in memory of Barry."
The former Northern Ireland amateur champion was struck by a car and killed on his way home from a night out earlier this year.
"Players like Ken, Fergal O'Brien, Joe Swail and Michael Judge have said they will play," revealed the former Queens University accountancy graduate.
"I really miss Barry. He was a good friend and someone I practised with on a regular basis.
"We used to play two or three times a week and now when I get back the first few days are a nightmare because he's not there.
Wallace is now assured of £9,600 and a place in the last 16 against Mark King or Yorkshire qualifier Jimmy Michie. Wallace was behind twice but with Doherty clearly struggling he captured three of the final four frames with a top break of 86.
Doherty has still to open his season's account and he was untypically lost for words.
"I had my chances but I didn't take them. I have practised harder than ever but it's just not happening for me."
Elsewhere, Belfast's Joe Swail became the seventh top-16 star beaten in the second round when he lost 5-3 to Nigel Bond.
Manchester-based Swail looked in control at halfway leading 3-1. However, Bond, the 1995 world finalist and former British Open champion, showed signs of his old self by winning the next four frames for a 5-4 triumph.