The next season, he reached the semi-final of the International Open, defeating Bill Werbeniuk 5–2, Eddie Charlton 5–2, and Graham Miles 5–1, before losing 1–9 to Dennis Taylor.

At the 1984 International Masters he reached the three-player final group, and finished as reunner-up to Steve Davis.

[3] The following season, Martin did not progress beyond the first round in any tournament; he did however qualify for the Grand Prix and the British Open, losing to Silvino Francisco and Steve Davis respectively.

He qualified for the 1986 World Snooker Championship where he made his last appearance at the Crucible, losing 3–10 in the first round to Joe Johnson, the eventual winner of the tournament.

[3] Martin reached the quarter-finals of the Mercantile Credit Classic in 1988, beating Doug Mountjoy 5–4, and Jimmy White 5–2, before losing 1–5 against Tony Knowles.