diff --git a/python/r2pipe/__init__.py b/python/r2pipe/__init__.py
index 2e96a6d..22bfcfb 100644
--- a/python/r2pipe/__init__.py
+++ b/python/r2pipe/__init__.py
@@ -29,12 +29,14 @@
 import time
 from r2pipe.open_sync import open as r2pipe_open
 
+open = r2pipe_open
+
 try:
     import r2lang
 except ImportError:
     r2lang = None
 
-VERSION = "1.8.7"
+VERSION = "1.8.8"
 
 
 def version():
diff --git a/python/r2pipe/native.py b/python/r2pipe/native.py
index c496ea6..68c50f7 100644
--- a/python/r2pipe/native.py
+++ b/python/r2pipe/native.py
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def __init__(self):
     def __del__(self):
         self.free()
     def free(self):
-        self._r_core_free[1](self._o)
+        self._r_core_free[0](self._o)
     def cmd_str(self, cmd):
         return self._r_core_cmd_str[1](self._o, cmd)