India's Kreishh Gurbaxani reached the last 32 of a ranking event for the first time as he survived the 9Club Shoot Out pressure to beat Xu Si.
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Gurbaxani is playing his debut season on the pro tour and had won only one match before this week, but now has two more victories under his belt and he's through to the final day in Leicester, with the champion to be crowned on Saturday night.
He made breaks of 30 and 17 to build a 47-0 lead, then Xu had a chance to steal it, but having made 30 he missed a ticky red to a top corner with 25 seconds on the clock.
"I am loving it, the atmosphere is crazy and insane," said Gurbaxani, who is based in Sheffield. "My body was shaking, I don't know how the balls are going in. My game is improving a lot. It has been a tough start to the season, but I feel a lot more confident now."
Vladislav Gradinari, age 16, is one of three amateurs into the last 32 having beaten Long Zehuang. Leading 18-7 with 50 seconds to go, Gradinari missed a red with the rest, handing his opponent a glimmer of hope, but having clawed back to 18-15, Long failed on the crucial red.
"I might seem relaxed by everyone is nervous," said teenager Gradinari, originally from Moldova. "It comes down to which player is composed at the big moments. I'm into the final day and I will think positively. I might not get a chance, but I hope I do."
Zhou Yuelong set a new target for the £5,000 high break prize with a superb 101 to beat Louis Heathcote. David Gilbert knocked out Shaun Murphy with a run of 73, while Martin O'Donnell's 83 saw him beat Xiao Guodong. Aaron Hill knocked out Thepchaiya Un-Nooh which means there are no former winners in the last 32 and the trophy will have a new name.
Mark Selby is one of four top-16 ranked players through to the final day, alongside Ali Carter, Zhang Anda and Si Jiahui. Four-time World Champion Selby beat Jak Jones with a run of 69.