John Higgins to face Judd Trump after impressive win over Ronnie O'Sullivan

Updated 16/12/2016 at 23:06 GMT

John Higgins produced a clinical display at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow to knock Ronnie O’Sullivan out of the Scottish Open at the quarter-final stage with a 5-2 success.

John Higgins in action

Image credit: Imago

The Scotsman raced into a three- frame lead in the last-eight tie, playing some sensational shots as he gave his opponent virtually no time at the table.

Higgins pulls off incredible long plant against O'Sullivan

O'Sullivan responded to bring the contest back to 3-1 before the interval and kept alive his hopes by winning the sixth frame to send it to 4-2.

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But a flamboyant century break of 104 sealed the win for Higgins, who was congratulated by a clearly impressed O’Sullivan.

“Any time you beat Ronnie it’s a special result, even though he didn’t play anywhere near his best,” said Higgins. “He gave me a few chances too many. It will be another tough game whoever I play tomorrow. It’s great to be able to play here in front of my friends and family.”

The Rocket had overcome Jimmy White in the last 32 and Mark Allen in the last 16 on Thursday to set up Friday's encounter, but could only produce glimpses of his very best form.

The five-times world champion has yet to win a tournament this season having lost finals in the European Masters to Judd Trump, the Champion of Champions to Higgins and UK Championship to Mark Selby in recent months.

Higgins shows class to end O'Sullivan hopes

“John played really well, his all round game was strong. He’s a class act and very difficult to break down," said O'Sullivan.

"You always have to feel you can get back into it otherwise there’s no point, but when he’s playing like that he’ll win a lot of tournaments. I’ve had a fantastic week and really enjoyed it. I love my Eurosport work and it means I can’t always prepare as well and focus on tournaments, but it’s the best option for me.”

Moth lands on the table during Trump's match in Glasgow

Higgins will face Trump in Saturday's semi-final over the best of 11 frames after Trump enjoyed a 5-3 success against fellow Englishman Robert Milkins.

In a scrappy match that saw the first six frames split between the pair, Trump finally showed his class with a closing 78 the highest break of the afternoon.

Marco Fu was a comfortable 5-1 winner over Mark Davis after dropping the first frame.

Fu shows class with swerve shot

The former Grand Prix champion compiled 46, 53, 132, 62 and a 67 in a performance of imperious scoring.

In the last quarterfinal Yu Delu won the all Chinese encounter with English Open champion Liang Wenbo 5-4, and will play Fu in Saturday night's semi-final.