John Parrott ended his dismal run of form with victory over Stephen Lee to move into the last eight of the Benson and Hedges Masters at Wembley Arena on Tuesday.

Parrott shed more than two stones during the close season but has been a shadow of his former self on the green baize this term.

But the world number 10 finally got it right as he defeated Lee 6-5 from 3-1, 4-2 and 5-4 down to reach the quarter-finals.

It was only Parrott's second win of the campaign and his first in the UK since the opening round of the 2000 World Championship at Sheffield last April.

However, it was touch and go for Parrott, who has enjoyed more success against Ally McCoist on BBC's Question of Sport.

"They can show that on the programme," quipped Parrott. "What happened next - John Parrott won a snooker match.

Basic errors

"My son Josh is old enough to know what I do for a living and I didn't want him to think his dad can't play the game."

Parrott did his best to throw away a great opportunity to end his drought. He needed an outrageous fluke on the final blue in the penultimate frame to set-up the decider.

And then he carelessly missed a routine black with the winning post in sight. But the pressure also told on Trowbridge-based Lee who made several basic errors.

Parrott's mini-break of 19 finally got him over the line much to his delight.

Harold date

"Players have been drawn against me thinking I was a walkover and they've been right, but I feel as fresh as paint," he said.

"It's just like Robbie Fowler," added Everton fan Parrott. "It's all about confidence. He scored two goals last week and now he's flying, hopefully it will be the same for me.

"I just needed a win under my belt. And I would expect to be 14-21 points better in my next match."

Parrott, three times a Masters runner-up, meets Dave Harold for a place in the semi-finals.

Parrott added: "Dave is a very tough match player but after this victory it will be a pleasure just to get out there again."