Matthew Stevens quickly wrapped up a 13-7 win over John Higgins this morning to book his place in the semi-finals of the Embassy World Championship.

The world number six had established a 10-6 advantage after a superb session of snooker last night, which included a brilliant 145 - the highest break of tournament so far.

And Matthews made the perfect start today when he clinched the opening two frames with impressive breaks of 71 and 72.

Higgins opened the third frame of the session with a 41 break and eventually cleared to the pink to reduce the deficit. But Stevens clinched victory with a break of 80 to become the first semi-finalist.

Stevens was surprised with the manner of his victory, but understandably delighted.

"I was surprised because of the way John played against Graeme Dott, when he was superb," he said. "But I kept a lot of pressure on him, scored heavily and he missed a few balls.

"If you put pressure on an opponent they have got to miss and John missed a few balls to let me in. To beat anyone like John is unbelievable. Over long matches I can relax and I felt very comfortable up there."

Higgins said: "He played some great stuff, take nothing away from him. I was just disappointed I missed one important red at 4-4 and that turned the match.

"That was my one disappointment, but he played great - he totally outplayed me. I didn't really know what was happening when I was 3-0 down yesterday morning.

"I managed to dig in well and was pleased it was 4-4 at the end of the session. But the first frame of the second session turned the match on its head."