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Jack Lisowski compiled three centuries as he comprehensively defeated Zhou Yuelong 6-1 to book a place in the Northern Ireland Open final against either Mark Allen or Judd Trump.
The world number one and the Antrim player will compete in the second semi-final at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Saturday evening.
Englishman Lisowski took the first frame and added the next two frames with a clearance of 125 and a break of 124.
Lisowski led 4-0 heading into the mid-session break, and although his Chinese rival pulled one back, another 125-run round restored the 34-year-old’s advantage by four frames before wrapping up a comfortable win in the seventh frame.
The world number 29 is aiming for success in the top ranking event, having been beaten six times in the finals.
He will participate in a ranking-deciding event for the first time since March 2021, when he lost to Trump in the final of the Gibraltar Open.
Lisowski’s progress to the final also included wins over four-time world champion Mark Selby in the round of 16 and Thailand’s Thipchaya On Noh in the quarter-finals.
“It’s been a great week so far, but now it’s all about the final,” Lisowski said.
“I feel like I can hit any shot, and I’m even more surprised when I miss.
“I put in the effort and trained hard, so it’s good to work hard and it pays off. I’m full of confidence.”
Trump is aiming for a fifth NI Open success while Allen has won consecutively in 2021 and 2022.
The final will be played on Sunday for the top 19 players with a first prize of £100,000 and the Alex Higgins Trophy awaiting the winner.
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