Judd Trump came from 3-0 down to win a final-frame decider against Kyren Wilson as he began the defence of his Masters title at Alexandra Palace.
Wilson enjoyed runs of 65 and 76 to establish a healthy lead as Trump struggled to find his rhythm early on.
However, Trump then made breaks of 52, 101 and 83 as he reeled off the next five frames.
Wilson took the next two before the world number two made a 65 clearance to seal a thrilling 6-5 win.
On Tuesday evening, Barry Hawkins beat Neil Robertson 6-3 in a repeat of the 2022 final to set up a quarter-final with Ronnie O’Sullivan on Thursday.
Meanwhile, two-time winner Trump will now face Ali Carter in the last eight on Friday.
Trump’s performance had echoes of 12 months ago, when he battled through the early rounds before claiming his second Masters crown with a 10-8 triumph over Mark Williams.
“It was a strange game – nip and tuck the whole way through,” Trump told BBC Sport.
“I was just fighting not to go 4-0 down. At 5-4, Kyren made an unbelievable clearance to go 5-5.
“I felt quite nervy out there from the start. I couldn’t even chalk my cue at one point [in the final frame]. In that last break, I was on my way home [when Wilson made 51] and he took a little bit of a risk and was unfortunate to leave the gap.
“You would think with my experience you would get over the nerves but coming here, to the World Championship or the UK is a different feeling. You just don’t want to go out in the first round.”
