Ding Junhui overcame Mark Selby 6-5 in an epic encounter to set up a World Grand Prix final with Ronnie O'Sullivan in Preston.
The Chinese star, who has endured a difficult season by his high standards having not reached a ranking semi-final since September, showed iron focus to see off the world champion and world number one in four hours and 40 minutes.
Ding was the heavier scoring player, with three breaks over 90 and a highest of 104 while Selby's best effort was 87 in the second frame.
The Leicester cueman hasn't been at his best this season either and although he showed his battling qualities to force a deciding frame, he ultimately came up short.
Last night O'Sullivan claimed he'd rather play Ding in the final and jokingly warned of the need for late transport for the public if he was to face Selby - and with this semi-final finishing beyond midnight, you could see why.
The Rocket lost to Ding in last year's World Championship but he'll start his 46th ranking final as favourite to win his 32nd career ranking title and a fourth of the season.
Sunday's final is best of 19 frames and played over two sessions at Preston's Guild Hall, live on ITV4.
🙏 Ronnie O'Sullivan gets his wish - he'll play Ding Junhui in the World Grand Prix final!
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) February 25, 2018
👏 Ding produced a battling performance to edge past Mark Selby 6-5 in an absorbing contest tonight pic.twitter.com/hfVVNaSa6l
