Ian McCulloch brought John Higgins' British Open title defence to an end with a surprise 5-2 victory over the world number four.

The Preston professional won the last four frames to reach the semi-finals of a ranking event for the first time in his 10-year career.

But the world number 43 claimed he was not surprised he had sent the former world champion crashing out.

"It's not a shock to me - I've been playing so well in practice that it had to come through in a tournament eventually," said McCulloch.

"Maybe John wasn't playing well, maybe I was. To be honest I don't care, I'm just delighted to be through."

McCulloch began the match with a break of 78 before Higgins responded with 77 to make it 1-1.

Higgins then claimed the third but broke down early on in the next and McCulloch won it with a break of 58.

And the Scot struggled for the rest of the match, managing a highest break of only 27 in the last four frames.

"Maybe I didn't give Ian enough respect. I know he's a good player but I thought I would win," Higgins admitted.

"He played well but I was garbage. It was my usual thing. I seem to be playing well for a couple of games and then look as if I've never picked a cue up before."

McCulloch faces Mark Williams for a place in the final after the former world number one reached his first semi-final for eight months by beating Ali Carter 5-1.