Kyren Wilson subdued a spirited Jak Jones fightback to end 15-10 ahead and leave himself requiring just three frames this evening to become Cazoo World Champion for the first time.
The Warrior is gunning to take the final step in an event which he has already shone in over the years. Wilson was runner-up to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2020, when he was on the wrong side of an 18-8 scoreline. This time he has assumed the role of front runner.
Qualifier Jones has enjoyed a fairytale run to the sport’s biggest match, having started the event as a 200/1 outsider. However, he now has a mountain to climb if he is to become World Champion later tonight.
A thrilling climax to yesterday evening’s second session saw the Kettering cueman clinch the final frame on the black to establish clear daylight overnight and come into this afternoon 11-6 ahead.
However, it was Jones who turned up the heat at the beginning of this afternoon’s play. Breaks of 64 and 58 gave him the first two frames and brought him back into contention at 11-8.
Wilson responded by taking the 20th frame, before a contribution of 83 restored his five frame gap at 13-8 heading into the mid-session.
When play resumed, Jones came out firing and crafted runs of 90 and 73 to claim the next two and make it 13-10.
It was at that point Wilson stopped the rot, compiling 87 to move 14-10 ahead. A nervy last of the session saw both players spurn opportunities, before a missed yellow to middle from Jones eventually left the frame on a plate for Wilson to run out 15-10 up.
They will return at 7pm to play the best of 35 final to a conclusion.