Ken Doherty clinched another hard-fought victory to continue his precarious journey towards the Malta Cup title in Portomaso.
The Dubliner edged Stephen Maguire 5-4 to reach the semi-finals, his third close contest of the tournament after beating Joe Swail 5-3 and Stuart Bingham 5-4.
A well worked double initiated a run of 31 in the decider and Doherty stepped in with 50 to clinch victory after Maguire had missed a long red.
The 1997 world champion had led 2-0 but Maguire won the third frame with a run of 82 and stole the fourth on the black before his 133 total clearance gave the third seed a 3-2 advantage.
But Doherty steadied the ship with a run of 71 to make it 3-3 before adding the seventh to regain the lead.
Maguire, the winner two years ago, compiled a second century, 127, to secure the eighth but failed to pot a ball in the decider.
Doherty said: "I would have been gutted to lose because I played so well in the early part of the match. Then from coasting I was suddenly 3-2 down but I didn't throw in the towel because I knew I was playing well.
"I made a good break to win the sixth frame and that gave me real confidence. It was a tough match and a good win."
Graeme Dott, desperate to arrest a dramatic decline in the rankings, produced a first-rate performance to see off Finnish number one Robin Hull 5-0.
