John Higgins outplayed Ronnie O’Sullivan in a battle of two of snooker’s all-time greats, winning 5-2 to book a semi-final spot at the Scottish Open.

Higgins is now just two wins away from claiming the 29th world ranking title of his career, which would put him ahead of Steve Davis and O’Sullivan on the all-time list, behind only Stephen Hendry.

If Wishaw’s 41-year-old Higgins does go on to take the title and £70,000 top prize in Glasgow it would also be his third piece of silverware in the past six weeks having won the China Championship and Champion of Champions. His next opponent in the semi-finals today will be Judd Trump who beat Robert Milkins 5-2 yesterday.

“Any time you beat Ronnie it’s a special result, even though he didn’t play anywhere near his best,” said world number three Higgins.

“He gave me a few chances too many. It will be another tough game whoever I play tomorrow (today). It’s great to be able to play here in front of my friends and family.”

On his part, O’Sullivan said: “John played really well, his all round game was strong. He’s very difficult to break down.”