The Belgian was twice in front, including taking out 127 in impressive fashion to win the opening set, but was pegged back on both occasions by Rand, who has struggled for much of 2012 due to an elbow injury suffered in a car accident.
The man known as 'Cool Hand' took out 90 to win a crucial leg against the throw in the decider before double 16 booked him a clash with Wes Newton after the Christmas break.
"We both played very well, Kim was awesome, as he usually is, and I managed to raise my game from what I've been playing in recent weeks, which has been alright but not as good as that," Rand said afterwards.
"But the big stage seems to bring that out in me. I'm a big stage player. I love the crowd, it's like a home for me."
