World number one Mark Selby will have the imposing figure of Ronnie O'Sullivan blocking his path to Betway UK Championship glory on Sunday as both men chase landmark victories.
Only five players have landed the UK and World Championship titles in the same calendar year, but following his second Crucible trophy run in May that achievement is tantalisingly close for Selby after a 6-2 semi-final win against Shaun Murphy.
O'Sullivan, who could count himself lucky to win 6-5 against Marco Fu even though he finished with a century, is among that elite quintet of doubling-up high achievers.
Heading into the final he is staring at career figures that Selby is unlikely to ever match.
Success on Sunday evening would tie O'Sullivan with Steve Davis for the record number of UK Championship triumphs - six - and move him second outright on the all-time list of players with the most ranking titles.
He shares second place with Davis and John Higgins on 28 at present; only Stephen Hendry, with 36, has won more. Selby stands on nine, only one of which has come in the UK Championship.
But against Fu, O'Sullivan was highly erratic and breaks of 76, 59 and 58 were his best compared to 80, 100 and 85 from his opponent, until the final-frame twist. Fu came from 4-2 down to lead 5-4, only to miss a green when on the brink of a monumental upset.
O'Sullivan pounced, levelling the match before ploughing in 130 to put the seal on a dramatic contest.
