Barry Hawkins reeled off three straight frames to complete a stunning comeback against Ding Junhui and win 10-9 in the semi-final of the Shanghai Masters.
Hawkins turned a 9-7 deficit in to a 10-9 victory with brilliant breaks of 101, 60 and 67 putting him into the Shanghai final against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Ding himself had won five frames in a row to take control of the semi-final, but it was Hawkins who would pinch a place in the final with his late flurry of frames.
Hawkins can now seek revenge against the Rocket as O'Sullivan has won both their meetings in finals at the 2016 Masters and the 2013 World Championship.
“It was great. Most of the crowd were on his side but I think a few were cheering for me," said Hawkins. "I felt pretty good. I got my chance and managed to hold myself together. To get into a big final like this is a really good start to the season.
“It would be amazing to win the tournament and lift the trophy. I know what I have got to do against Ronnie. You have to take chances and cut out silly mistakes. I’ve beat him before over a long distance. Although he has bashed me up most of the time. I just have to go out there and enjoy it. I’ve got nothing to lose.”
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