Barry Hawkins holds a 5-4 lead over World Champion Kyren Wilson ahead of the final session of the Machineseeker German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin.
Hawkins is gunning for a maiden Berlin victory, while Wilson lifted the title here back in 2019, when he defeated David Gilbert 9-7 in the final. The first player to reach ten frames this evening will capture the Brandon Parker Trophy and £100,000.
Breaks of 67 and 62 from Wilson gave him an early advantage this afternoon, before the Hawk clawed his way back into contention with two on the bounce to head into the mid-session all square at 2-2.
Wilson edged ahead again when play resumed. However, another two consecutive frames for Hawkins saw him lead for the first time at 4-3. The Warrior restored parity with a superb 128 in the eighth, but it was Hawkins who ended on top after replying with 102 to end with a one-frame cushion.
They return to play the match to a conclusion at 8pm (CET).