Kiwi Paul Coll is now just one win away from defending his British Open crown, after dispatching Egyptian Mostafa Asal in straight games in their semi-final showdown at Hull on Sunday (NZ time).
World No. 1 Coll needed just over an hour to record an 11-9 11-9 11-9 victory to book his place in the tournament showpiece against rival Ali Farag on Monday morning.
Earlier, fellow New Zealander Joelle King fell agonisingly short of ensuring Kiwis would feature in both the men's and women's finals, losing a five-game marathon to Egyptian Hania El Hammamy 11-5 5-11 7-11, 11-8, 11-3 in her semi-final tie.
The 29-year-old was in complete control against Asal, putting on a display of measured accuracy against the aggressive Egyptian.
"It means everything," said Coll after his win. "I came into this week trying to defend. I prepped really well, had a great week in Birmingham with my coach, I brought my physio over and tried to make everything happen to defend the title.
"I came in today with a game plan, the body and mind are both feeling great. [Asal] is such a talent, he's so strong that I had to execute my game plan to win and I'm very happy to do that 3-0 in the semis.
"I stuck to my game plan well. I was aggressive when I needed to be and defended where I needed to, and executed my game plan from the first rally.
"I'm loving the court, loving the atmosphere and I’m fired up for tomorrow."
The Greymouth native's spot atop the world rankings will also be on the line against No. 2 Farag, who will reclaim the No. 1 ranking with a win in the final.
Farag has won 15 of the 19 matches played against Coll, although the Kiwi has beaten him on the last two occasions they've squared off.
"Nobody gave me the World No.1 spot easy, so I'm not giving it up easy," Coll insisted.
The men's final begins at approximately 3am on Monday morning, following the women's final at 2am.
