Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is through to the final of this year's SAGA Insurance Masters.
But the 'Rocket' was made to battle for his place in this year's final at the Wembley Conference Centre, as his semi-final showdown with Trowbridge potter Stephen Lee went the distance.
Some fine potting, gritty determination and a pressure 74 break in the deciding eleventh frame saw world No 1 O'Sullivan triumph 6-5, having trailed 3-0.
"I really didn't expect to win it," said a relieved O'Sullivan.
"I felt isolated out there and I was getting buried. The only way I thought I could win was by opening up the reds every frame and taking my chances.
"I took a gamble, but it paid off."
O'Sullivan will play Scotland's John Higgins, who beat compatriot Alan McManus 6-2 in the other semi-final, in tomorrow's finale.
