Zhao Xintong is just four frames away from a return to the Crucible having built a 6-3 lead over Elliot Slessor in the final qualifying round of the Halo World Championship.
Former UK Champion Zhao could become the third amateur to play at the Crucible, after James Cahill in 2019 and Michael White in 2022. The Chinese ace knocked in breaks of 134, 72, 72 and 83 against Slessor. They resume at 5pm with first to ten frames to go into the draw for the final stages.
Zak Surety boosted his hopes of a Crucible debut as he went 6-3 up on Ricky Walden with a top run of 133. Ireland's Aaron Hill is also on course for a debut as he leads last year's beaten semi-finalist David Gilbert 6-3.
Gary Wilson, highest ranked player in the qualifiers at world number 17, made a vital 56 clearance in frame nine but still trails Daniel Wells 6-3. Chris Wakelin stormed into a 7-2 lead over Martin O'Donnell while Ryan Day top scored with 104 in taking a 6-3 advantage against Sunny Akani.