By Clive Jones BBC Sport at Wembley

Hunter was always in control against a disappointing Higgins

Hunter took the opening frame with a break of 96 but Higgins replied with a century in the next to level.

Higgins soon found himself trailing again as Hunter slotted in a break of 91 on the way to a 3-1 interval lead.

The Scot stayed in touch as he won the seventh frame on a re-spotted black but Hunter was not to be denied as he claimed the next two for the victory.

Hunter will play the winner of Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan. Their semi-final starts at 1900 GMT.

Once again, Hunter produced his top form in a Wembley venue which always seems to bring out the best in him.

I feel fed up talking about the state of the table this week John Higgins

Hunter, who won the title in 2001 and 2002, proved too strong for a determined but short-of-confidence Higgins.

"I don't know what it is, but I always seem to play well here," said Hunter.

"It's like the Welsh Open, where I also play well.

"I really enjoyed the match and could have won 6-2, but had a huge kick on the final blue.

"It's great to be here and to be in the final again."

Higgins did not mince his words over the conditions of the table after his defeat.

"It would have been a travesty if I had won, but I found it hard to control the cue ball during the match," said Higgins.

"I feel fed up talking about the state of the table this week and most of the players have been commenting on it.

"But it is a sad day for snooker when no one seems to be listening."