Colin Lloyd banished his first round blues with a tight 2-0 triumph over Dennis Priestley in the SkyBet World Grand Prix.
Lloyd has struggled in major tournaments since reaching the final of the World Grand Prix two years ago - with a string of round one defeats seeing the former World Number One slip down the rankings.
However, a solid display saw Lloyd edge out the double World Champion in straight sets - although the match could not have been closer.
Priestley missed doubles to win both sets in a fifth leg, with Lloyd stepping in to book his place in the last 16.
The first four legs went with the throw, with a 14-darter seeing Lloyd pull level at 2-2.
A 180 from Lloyd left him 51, and he was able to sneak in to win the set on double eight after Priestley missed the same double for a 136 finish.
Lloyd kicked off the second set with a confidence-boosting 106 checkout, although Priestley hit back with a 12-darter and then broke the throw to lead 2-1.
Another maximum from Lloyd set up a 76 finish in leg four, and he was on hand to wrap up the win on double six after Priestley was off-target for the bullseye.
"I'm the only player left who's won this event and I know how to win it," said a relieved Lloyd afterwards.
"You have to grind out wins and dig deep, and I had to do that against Dennis. He's world class and he doesn't often give you an inch - but when he did I stepped in.
"I've got the result and I'm over the moon - I'm through and that's all I care about, I just needed to get through that first round."
