Chinese duo book Tour

Tian - who famously ousted Ronnie O’Sullivan from the China Open last year – claimed a comfortable 4-2 quarter-final victory over David Gilbert to book his place.

The defeat was a massive blow for Gilbert, who also fell at the final hurdle of the first qualifying event.

Tian’s 19-year-old compatriot Li booked his place on the Tour with an emphatic 4-1 victory over David Gray in their quarter-final.

"I will try my best and my aim will be to stay on the tour," Li said after the match.

"I'm very happy now, of course. I didn't play my best in this event, but I was confident. David Gray is a good player but I felt that I could beat him."

David Morris retained his place on the Tour with a nervy 4-3 victory over Michael Wild – surviving a late fight back in the deciding frame.

"I missed a red at 57-1 and he had a great chance because all the balls were there," said Morris.

"He was perfect on everything up until the pink, he came low on it and had to play across the table with side. He missed it and left it over the hole, which was a big relief because I thought I'd lost."

Morris was massively relieved to have saved his spot on the circuit.

"With the new rankings points system last season, I didn't know where I was," he added. "One minute I was 55th and the next 70th. By the time I realised I was in danger of dropping off the tour, it was too late.

"But to have this chance to get back on straight away, and to take it, is perfect for me. I've still got the hunger to win."

Simon Bedford also secured a berth after he edged past Lee Walker 4-3 in the last of the quarter-finals, and he paid tribute to his late coach Steve Prest after the match.

"Five years ago I gave the game up, then (coach) Steve Prest helped me get back into it and I got into the top 64," said Bedford.

"When Steve died I lost my love of the game for a while. But I'm back on my feet now and ready to give the tour a good crack next season."

Qualifying event three starts on Monday.

Li Yan (China) beat David Gray (England) 4-1

Tian Pengfei (China) beat David Gilbert (England) 4-2

Simon Bedford (England) beatt Lee Walker (Wales) 4-3

David Morris (Republic of Ireland) beat Michael Wild (England) 4-3