Jack Lisowski compiled three centuries as he comprehensively defeated Zhou Yuelong 6-1 to book a place in the Northern Ireland Open final against Mark Allen or Judd Trump.
The world number one and the Antrim player will contest the second semi-final at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday night.
England’s Lisowski took the first frame and added the next two with a 125 clearance and break of 124.
Lisowski moved 4-0 ahead before the mid-session interval and although his Chinese opponent pulled one back, another run of 125 restored the 34-year-old’s four-frame advantage before he wrapped up a comfortable win in the seventh frame.
The world-ranked 29 player is chasing a first ranking event success, having been beaten six times in finals.
He will be taking part in a ranking event decider for the first time since March 2021, when he lost to Trump in the Gibraltar Open final.
Lisowski’s progress to the final has also included wins over four-time world champion Mark Selby in the last 16 and Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at the quarter-final stage.
“It’s been a great week so far but now it’s all about the final,” said Lisowski.
“I feel like I can pot any shot, I’m more surprised when I miss.
“I’ve been putting the work in and practicing hard so it’s nice when you work hard and it pays dividends. I’m full of confidence.”
Trump is aiming for a fifth NI Open success while Allen was a back-to-back victor in 2021 and 2022.
Sunday’s final will be played over the best-of-19 with a first prize of £100,000 and the Alex Higgins Trophy awaiting the winner.
