World champion Mark Selby forgot to take his trousers to China – but remembered how to win at the Wuxi Classic on Tuesday.
The newly crowned Crucible king is playing his first major tournament since the stunning Sheffield 18-14 final success over Ronnie O’Sullivan.
And Selby, 31, cruised past Merseyside’s Robbie Williams 5-1 to set up a last-32 clash on Wednesday at the £500,000 event with Liang Wenbo.
But the world No1 had to ask amateur Joe O’Connor to drop by a Leicester laundry and bring out his playing suit after forgetting it.
Selby said: “I couldn’t believe I forgot them and obviously I was grateful to Joe, who was flying out a bit later.
“It could have been a bit embarrassing in my first major event since winning the world title – but I did have a spare pair.
“Maybe I can enjoy playing even more now after the Crucible, I can go into every tournament wanting to win knowing I have achieved career goals.
“I always wanted to be world champion, world No1, I managed to win the Masters and the UK, more wins will be a bonus but I will be going for it.”
Meanwhile Shaun Murphy brushed past Rod Lawler 5-1.
World No7 Murphy, who won this title four years ago when a non-ranking event, also claimed victory in China earlier this year at the Haikou World Open.
Murphy, 31, said: “I am pleased to get through here, it could have been a very tough match against Rod.
“The win in Haikou earlier this year has helped me a lot, and of course I won here a few years ago.
“I love coming to China anyway but it always gives you confidence knowing you have come to places and won.
“There are good memories to draw upon, which helps you out there.”
There were also wins for Scots Graeme Dott and Stephen Maguire, who now play Robin Hull and Michael White respectively.
O’Connor’s stay in China after his errand of mercy was cut short by Chris Wakelin, with Oliver Brown taking out Oliver Lines 5-1.
From the home contingent Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao progressed with 5-1 wins over Chris Melling and Barry Pinches.
Photographs by Monique Limbos