Mark Allen was beaten by Judd Trump in the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open on Saturday night, who now faces his good friend Jack Lisowski in the decider on Sunday.
World number one Trump dug in to see off home favourite Allen 6-3 in a game which didn't really catch fire but showed the mental strength of the former world champion.
Both men made half-centuries to go into the interval of Saturday's evening session at 2-2.
Allen, who won the title in 2021 and 2022, then built some momentum with a 68 followed by a well-crafted 135 clearance in the fifth frame.
But Trump – seeking a first title since the 2024 UK Championship – edged the next to draw level again before finishing strongly, with breaks of 82 and 66 helping him take the next three frames to seal victory.
Earlier at the Waterfront Hall, Lisowski made three centuries in his 6-1 win over Zhou Yuelong.
Lisowski – who is aiming for a first ranking event title – reeled off breaks of 125 and then 124 as he took a commanding 4-0 lead into the mid-session interval.
Although Zhou got himself on the board after edging a close fifth frame, another 125 from Lisowski saw him go on to close out a confident display.
Lisowski has played four finals previously with Trump, losing every match.
