Ding Junhui will face Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals of the Masters after a thrilling 6-5 victory over Luca Brecel at Alexandra Palace.
O'Sullivan was made to work hard by Ryan Day in a match that seemed set for a nervy finish when Day appeared certain to draw level at 4-4, only for a missed red to turn the clash on its head and allow the seven-times Masters champion to finish with a typical flourish.
The Rocket quickly stamped his authority on proceedings when taking the opening frame with a run of 68 but Day played his part in what was an engrossing watch and put together breaks of 54 and 68 to win the next two.
O'Sullivan ensured the scores were level at the mid-session interval when dominating frame four with breaks of 74 and 52 and he got himself back in front by stroking in a fabulous 119 upon the resumption.
Day came straight back, though, a break of 77 levelling the scores once again at 3-3.
However, after O'Sullivan led again at 4-3 courtesy of a break 65, Day squandered a golden opportunity to draw level at 4-4.
With a 66-point lead and O'Sullivan firmly on the back foot, Day attempted and missed a tricky pot to middle when putting a red safe looked the percentage call and O'Sullivan duly stepped in, clearing up with a nerveless 78 that knocked the stuffing out of his opponent.
If that was the sucker punch, O'Sullivan wasted little time in landing the knockout blow, a break of 92 failing short of another century but more than enough to seal his place in the last four.
Luca Brecel 5-6 Ding Junhui
Brecel led five times but Ding hit back on each occasion, aided by breaks of 125 in the second frame and 105 in the eighth.
Ding even forfeited a frame at 4-4 after being called for a miss three times in a row when trying to roll up against a few reds dead weight when there were simpler shots available.
Despite going 5-4 behind, Ding managed to level again to force a final frame decider for the prize of facing O'Sullivan in the semis.
In the decider, Brecel had the table at his mercy but missed a crucial easy red into a middle pocket and Ding inflicted full punishment with a match-clinching break of 65 - the only time he had led in the match.
It was the first time the Chinese player had reached the last four since he won the tournament in 2011.
Thursday results and schedule
Thursday January 17
Afternoon Session (1300 - BBC/Eurosport)
- QF2: Ryan Day 3-6 Ronnie O'Sullivan
Thursday January 17
Evening Session (1900 - BBC/Eurosport)
- QF1: Luca Brecel 5-6 Ding Junhui
