Zak Surety made nine breaks over 50, including three centuries, to edge out Jack Lisowski in a high quality clash and move one win from a Crucible debut at Halo World Championship Qualifying.
Click here for day six as it happened
The Essex cueman enjoyed a breakthrough run at this year's World Open, where he made the semi-finals of a ranking event for the first time. He had looked on course to reach a dream maiden final, but lost 6-5 to John Higgins from 5-3 up.
It was Surety who trailed after today's first session, when he emerged with a 6-3 deficit. Tonight he fired in breaks of 139, 80, 100, 80, 64 and 103 to cap off a stunning display and book a Judgement Day clash with Ricky Walden, who defeated Mitchell Mann 10-9 on the final black.
"I’m buzzing. I’m a bit speechless. I’ve got a few scars from the semi-final in China. When I got to nine, all I could think about was John Higgins clearing up against me. I had to tell myself to shut up. I’m delighted that I managed to hold my nerve. Especially in the World Championship and against Jack," said 33-year-old Surety.
"It will be a new experience playing on Judgement Day. It is something I've watched every year and I've never quite got there. I'm excited. If I play like that I have every chance of doing well. I need to try and go in and play it like every other match. It obviously isn't, but I'll enjoy this win, go in full of confidence and try my best."
The careers of two snooker stalwarts, Dominic Dale and Joe Perry, came to an end after they suffered respective defeats this evening. Both players turned professional in 1992 and arrived at this week's event having made up their minds that it would be their last.
Dale lost out 10-5 to Welsh compatriot Daniel Wells, who will now face Gary Wilson on Judgement Day. World number 17 Wilson thrashed Hammad Miah 10-1. Afterwards 53-year-old Dale, who won the Grand Prix in 1997 and the Shanghai Masters in 2007, proclaimed that he couldn't have given his career any more.
Dale said: "I think I've got the best out of myself. I'm very fortunate to have been in two major ranking finals and won them both, as well as the Shoot Out. I shall look back on my career and think I did the best I could. I've left my mark on the sport. As a commentator, I will still be watching it assiduously.
"I want to thank everybody for all the support I've had over the years. We've played in some wonderful venues and travelled to some wonderful places, especially in China. Seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an will live long in the memory. I've been fortunate to have met some great people and fans. I hope they can continue to enjoy snooker the way I shall."
Perry's 33-year career came to an end with a 10-5 loss at the hands of China's Yuan Sijun, who now plays compatriot Zhou Yuelong. The Gentleman's finest moment came in the 2022 Welsh Open, when he defeated Judd Trump in the final. He also won the Players Championship Grand Final in 2015.
Perry said: "There's people I'd like to swap careers with and I'm sure there are plenty out there that would like to have had mine. I've got no regrets. I've given snooker everything and the time has come. I'm absolutely fine with it."
Aaron Hill scored an impressive 10-5 win over Anthony McGill. He now plays last year's losing semi-finalist David Gilbert, who defeated Gong Chenzhi 10-5.