World number one Judd Trump won five frames in a row as he fought back from 3-1 down to beat three-time UK champion Neil Robertson 6-3 and move into the last 16 in York.
Australian Robertson had a glorious chance to move 4-1 ahead but missed the penultimate ball and that proved to be the turning point in the match.
Trump then made breaks of 73, 126 and 67 to move 5-3 ahead, and sealed the ninth frame to set up a tie with three-time champion John Higgins.
Robertson, 18th in the world, had to come through two rounds of qualifying to get to York and this was one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the first round.
However, both players were critical of the conditions at York Barbican, with seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, speaking on BBC TV, saying the table was “unplayable”.
“I’m glad Stephen said it was unplayable because that was as tough as I’d ever played on,” said 2010 world champion Robertson. “It was as unplayable as it gets in professional conditions. Being such a tough sport anyway it can make either player look stupid.
“This venue and the conditions usually play well – it’s not the table fitters’ fault. The arena felt fine and I don’t understand it. With the bounce off the cushions it can fly two or three feet further on and you’re out of position.
“I can’t really fault my performance, it was just really tough going out there.”