Dave Gilbert won a final frame decider over Lu Ning to move to the next stage of the Championship League in Milton Keynes.
The world number 11 capitalised on a mistake by his opponent to compile a break of 77 which earned him a 2-2 draw and first place in the group due to his earlier highest break.
Gilbert, who crashed out of the World Championship in the first round, admitted: “I’m very lucky to get through. My attitude was terrible today so I really need to have a word with myself.”
Zhao Xintong also advanced after beating Oliver Brown and Nigel Bond then claiming the draw he required in his final match against Liam Highfield.
Thursday September 17
Group 21
- Lu Ning
- David Gilbert
- Aaron Hill
- Xu Si
David Gilbert 3-1 Aaron Hill
Lu Ning 2-2 Xu Si
Lu Ning 3-1 Aaron Hill
David Gilbert 2-2 Xu Si
Aaron Hill 3-1 Xu Si
David Gilbert 2-2 Lu Ning
Group 10
- Zhao Xingtong
- Liam Highfield
- Nigel Bond
- Oliver Brown
Liam Highfield 2-2 Nigel Bond
Zhao Xingtong 3-0 Oliver Brown
Zhao Xingtong 3-1 Nigel Bond
Liam Highfield 2-2 Oliver Brown
Liam Highfield 3-0 Zhao Xingtong
Nigel Bond 2-2 Oliver Brown