By Clive Jones BBC Sport at Wembley

Higgins won the Masters title in 1999

Higgins won a 34-minute first frame, but Lee won the next two with the help of a half-century in the second before pinching the third on the black.

It was all square again when Higgins slotted in a 72 but neither player could settle into any rhythm.

With the match tied at 4-4, Higgins edged within one frame of victory with a 71 then sealed it in the next.

Higgins now goes on to face Paul Hunter in the last four but the Scot was not satisfied with his display against Lee.

"It was a drastic performance from both of us, the table was atrocious," said Higgins.

"I played some half-decent stuff near the end but, apart from that, it was a non-event."