England’s David Gilbert holds the edge as he looks to lift his first ranking title as he moved into a 5-4 lead during the final of the Hong Rui Ma Yushan World Open against Mark Williams.

The first player to 10 frames on Sunday will scoop the prize in China, with the winner taking home the trophy and £150,000. The loser will still claim £75,000 but Gilbert looks in a good position to go all the way after a superb start on Sunday.

His only previous appearance in the final of a ranking event was at the International Championship in 2015 when he lost to John Higgins. However, he could climb to world number 13 if he goes on to win this weekend, while a victory would also see him qualify for the Shanghai Masters and Champion of Champions invitation events.

Gilbert made a bright start by claiming the opening two frames. A break of 91 from Williams saw him claw one back but Gilbert put him back in his place to lead 3-1. Williams fired back with a break of 121 after the interval but that was matched by Gilbert’s sublime 142. Wales’ Williams did level to make it 4-4 but Gilbert’s 52 in the final frame in session 1 saw him claim the advantage.

He is priced at 2.05 to win Sunday’s match, while Williams is still the 1.70 favourite. Williams, who won the World Championship earlier this year, is priced at 6.50 to win 10-7 after the conclusion of the evening session.