Neil Robertson needs just two more frames to win the BetVictor English Open for a second time after blitzing to a 7-1 lead over Wu Yize in Brentwood.
This afternoon's devastating display puts the Australian in complete control of the final and edges him within touching distance of a return to the world's top 16.
Robertson is currently ranked 26th in the rankings after a dismal 23/24 campaign, but the rejuvenated Melbourne cueman can move to 15th if he wins tonight. That would dislodge Scotland's four-time World Champion John Higgins and eject him from the top 16 for the first time since 1995.
The 2010 World Champion practised through the off-season after he ended last term on a disappointing note when he failed to qualify for the Crucible. Robertson is also working with fellow professional and close friend Joe Perry.
Wu is competing in his maiden ranking final after a blistering 6-0 defeat of India's Ishpreet Singh Chadha in the semi-finals yesterday. That made him China's 14th ranking event finalist, but he now has a mountain to climb if he is to lift the Steve Davis Trophy this evening.
Robertson defeated Chris Wakelin 6-1 in their semi-final and has only dropped five frames this week. The 23-time ranking event winner was in ruthless form this afternoon. He fired in breaks of 75, 71, 77 and 61 on his way to establishing a 5-1 advantage. Robertson then made back-to-back century runs of 104 and 138 to end the session 7-1 ahead.
They return to play the best of 17 encounter to a conclusion this evening from 7pm.