Jimmy White cast aside his off-table problems to book a place in the second round of the Irish Masters in Dublin last night.
The Whirlwind, roared on by a capacity crowd, made a highest break of 101 as he defeated Gary Wilkinson 5-3
White was arrested last week on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug when his hotel room was raided by police following an exhibition in Preston with Alex Higgins.
The 41-year-old Londoner has been bailed until April 21, a day after he is due to complete his first-round match against Barry Pinches in the Embassy World Championship.
But his enduring popularity, despite the controversy, was clear from the rousing reception he was given as he left the arena.
And White, who insists he would do nothing to bring snooker into disrepute, thanked his supporters for sticking by him
White said: "I've had so much support in the last week from fans and family and friends, it's been quite moving.
"I had to win because I was under so much pressure. The worst thing running through my mind would have been to go out in the first round.
"Now I'm through the first round I just want to concentrate on the tournament."
Anthony Hamilton subjected Matthew Stevens to his fourth successive defeat since the Welshman won the UK Championship with a shock 5-1 defeat.
Hamilton, who recovered from 9-5 down to edge Michael Holt 10-9 in the final qualifying round of the world championship last week, compiled breaks of 92, 47, 68, 87 and 77.
"It was my best performance of the season," he said. "It just shows what confidence can do."