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John Higgins once again revelled at the Welsh Open with a comfortable 5-2 win over world number three Mark Allen.
The Scot has won the Welsh title five times – more than any other player – and was never behind in his quarter-final at Llandudno.
It was an off-colour performance from Northern Ireland’s Allen who was only briefly level given a 88% success rate.
Higgins opened a two-set lead with a 131 break and then won three in a row for a place in the last four.
He said: “I thought I played really well. The table was difficult to play on and suited my game a little better than Mark.
“I’m delighted because that’s a great win for me against such a good player.
“I’ve always had a good time in Wales and it would be amazing to win a sixth title.”
Allen, who came close to pulling out before the tournament with a shoulder injury, had eased into the last eight with a 4-0 round-four win over Robbie Williams, but rarely showed his class with just one break over 50 in the seven frames.
He said: “I struggled today technically and with the table. I’ve played some half-decent stuff here this week so it’s disappointing to end like that.
“I’d love to say the shoulder was the excuse, but I just didn’t play well enough.”
Higgins will next face either Gary Wilson, who beat defending champion Robert Milkins 4-0, or Anthony McGill for a place in the final.
