Wilson battles past Pang to reach NI Open final

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson battled past Pang Junxu 6-4 to reach the final of the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday.

The world number two will face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champion and four-time winner Judd Trump and Elliott Slessor in Sunday's final.

Wilson compiled a break of 110 in the first frame but his Chinese opponent replied with a run of 83 to draw level.

The English player took frames three and four, the former with the help of a 77 break, then Pang responded to reduce his deficit to 3-2.

Wilson restored his two-frame lead and continued his impressive scoring with a 72 to move to within one of victory.

Pang won the next two however, the Kettering player ultimately prevailing thanks to an 83 in the 10th frame.

Pang, world-ranked 27th, was unable to claim the scalp of a third world champion, having accounted for both Luca Brecel and Neil Robertson earlier in the tournament.

Wilson is aiming to clinch his second ranking title of the season, having won the inaugural Xi'an Grand Prix in China in August, when he defeated Trump 10-8 in the final.

World number one Trump, 35, has already tasted success in the Shanghai Masters and the first staging of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters this term.