Shaun Murphy edged past late replacement Ben Woollaston to book his place in the second round of the World Grand Prix with a 4-3 win in Hong Kong.
Woollaston only arrived in the country on Tuesday morning having made a late dash to the airport following Stephen Maguire's withdrawal.
And the 37-year-old Englishman defied jetlag to push the reigning Masters champion to the limit before Murphy delivered a 110 break in the decider.
Murphy told World Snooker Tour: "Over the last few seasons, the voice in my head had been saying some very negative things to me when things weren't going well.
"Since winning the Masters it has been saying much nicer things, reminding me that I can do it and I am good enough.
"In moments like the deciding frame today, when you get the chance to do it now, that's when that voice makes a difference."
Kyren Wilson hit two centuries but was still forced to win the last two frames to see off Matthew Selt, who compiled a 118 himself to edge one away from victory at 3-2.
Judd Trump compiled a break of 142 in the second frame on his way to defeating Gary Wilson 4-2, while John Higgins edged Ali Carter 4-3 and other winners included Stuart Bingham and Jack Lisowski.
