He came close to defeating Ding Junhui in the 2006 Northern Ireland Trophy, losing 4–5 in the last 48 to the eventual champion. He managed to qualify for the 2007 Grand Prix, producing two shocks in his group, beating Jamie Cope the previous year's runner up and Stephen Hendry, effectively knocking the latter out the tournament. However he lost his other 3 matches eventually finishing 5th in his group.