Stephen Lee has high hopes that this week's Malta Cup will prove to be a happy hunting ground in his search for a fifth ranking-event title.
Last season's Welsh Open winner rarely got going in his 5-2 win over Dubliner Michael Judge yesterday at the Hilton Conference Centre in Portomaso.
But despite only managing two notable breaks (48 and 47) in their last 32 clash, Lee is confident he is close to finding his finest form.
He said: 'I'm hitting the ball the best I've hit it for a while. I've done a lot of work on my game.
'I've just been hitting the ball so badly. Every player goes through it, but I feel it's going to come any minute. Hopefully it can happen for me soon.'
At around this time last year Lee defeated 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy to be crowned the new Welsh Open winner at the Newport Centre.
And having won the 1998 Grand Prix, 2001 LG Cup and 2002 Regal Scottish titles, Lee is optimistic of his chances of going all the way for the first time on foreign soil.
'When you've got form, you've got to grab hold of it and keep it for the week,' he added.
'I played great against Graeme Dott (at the Masters last month), but against Ding (Junhui) I felt and played like I'd been on the beer all week.
'That's how far and also how close I am to finding my best form. I just hope it can come.'
Reflecting on his win over Judge, which has earned a last 16 meeting with either Murphy or Ricky Walden, Lee said: 'It was just nice to get over the line. I'm quite pleased with the way I played.
'I was ready for the match going 5-4, I felt prepared.
'I love to play in hotel venues - and I love this venue. I just feel really comfortable here, which I think will help me.'
