Zhang Anda won a tense deciding frame on the black to beat Zhou Yuelong and reach the World Grand Prix final in Hong Kong.
Zhang came out on top in the first of two all-Chinese semi-finals, winning a scrappy final frame to beat Zhou 6-5.
He will play either world champion Zhao Xintong or Xiao Guodong in Sunday's final.
World number 23 Zhang had to battle hard to make it past his less experienced countryman to reach his fourth ranking final.
Zhou, who beat England's Ali Carter in a decider to reach the last four, was well placed to win the final frame but ran out of position on the blue when he looked set to clear up for victory.
The 28-year-old then potted the cue ball in off the blue during a safety exchange and Zhang, 34, cleared up to seal the win.
Zhang scored two centuries - 102 and 121 - and three breaks of more than 50 as he came from behind three times to edge into a 5-4 lead.
Zhou responded with a break of 82 to force the decider but his hunt for an elusive maiden ranking title continues.
He has lost in five semi-finals and four finals, including at this season's English Open.