John Higgins and Xiao Guodong set up a fascinating finale to their second round match, by ending the second session level at 8-8 in the Halo World Championship.
Higgins and Xiao have enjoyed brilliant seasons so far. World number three Higgins claimed ranking crowns at the World Open and Tour Championship, while Xiao became a ranking winner for the first time at the Wuhan Open.
The pair came into the second session of this finely poised encounter locked level at 4-4. The first four frames today were split, before four-time World Champion Higgins hit the front at 7-6.
It had looked as if parity was going to be restored with Xiao in charge of frame 14, leaving Higgins needing two snookers on the blue to tie. The steely Scot refused to give up and got them to force a respot. Higgins had a chance to cut the black back into the yellow pocket, but disastrously went in off and handed the frame to Xiao.
Xiao then hit the front at 8-7, but it was Higgins who fired in a stunning 129 to end at 8-8. That was the 63rd century of this year's tournament, equalling the tally made in the entire event last year. They return to play their final session tomorrow morning from 10am.
On the other table, Zhao Xintong secured a 5-3 advantage against Chinese compatriot Lei Peifan.
Both players negotiated the qualifying gauntlet to earn their places at the Theatre of Dreams.
Zhao is competing as an amateur, having regained his professional status for next season thanks to winning four Q Tour events this year. Lei made a major breakthrough at the Scottish Open earlier in the campaign, when he secured his maiden ranking event win.
The first four frames this afternoon were split, before a run of 120 from Lei saw him hit the front for the first time at 3-2. From there Zhao took control of proceedings and breaks of 53, 97 and 61 helped him to three on the bounce to end the session.
They return to play the second of three sessions tomorrow morning from 10am.