David Gilbert admitted he was “over the moon” after reaching the final of the World Open thanks to a 6-4 win over Barry Hawkins in China. The world number 29, playing in just his second ranking event semi-final of his career, claimed a memorable victory over his fellow Englishman on Saturday.

Gilbert took control early on and racked up a 3-0 lead following breaks of 101 and 54, but Hawkins then responded and made it 3-2 with two successive frames before Gilbert hit back to hold a two-frame advantage. A missed green in the ninth gave Hawkins the chance to clear to make it 5-4 and then a break of 45 in the next frame made certain of the victory.

Gilbert, who is available at 151.00 to win the 2019 World Snooker Championships, was delighted to book his place in the final – even though he admitted to being nervous at the finish.

“I’m over the moon,” he said. “For 90 per cent of the match I played great then the wheels came off towards the end and someone nearly had to pick me up off the floor.”

The ‘Angry Farmer’ admits winning a title is overdue and he has the dual aim of trying to make it into the world’s top 16.

He added: “It would mean everything to me to win the title, the only thing I’ve always wanted to do is go home a winner. I haven’t won anything since the Tamworth Open about 25 years ago. To be in the top 16 as well would be where I’ve always wanted to be.”