Higgins has been in great form in 2006

Hendry stole the opening frame on the black with a 31 clearance that proved to be his highest break of the night.

A 102 break got Higgins level and he eased home as Hendry failed to pot a ball during the final three frames.

Higgins will now play Dominic Dale, who got the better of fellow Welshman Mark Williams 5-3 to reach the last four.

"I think it's because I've got low expectations," said Dale.

We always seem to serve up a rubbish game for the fans John Higgins

"We all know that Mark's struggled in recent years but he was back to his old self against Nigel Bond in the last round and I thought he would carry that on.

"Luckily I got out of the blocks fast and put him under a bit of pressure."

Although happy with his result, Higgins was unhappy with the performance.

"We always seem to serve up a rubbish game for the fans. It was mistake after mistake. I can't explain it," he said.

"We both missed a lot but when I got a chance I always felt I could do something. That's what winning on a regular basis does for you."

I won't say Higgins played great, but it was enough to win From AM Have your say on Five Live

Ireland's Ken Doherty claimed a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Scotland's Stephen Maguire to clinch his place the semi-finals.

"I would have been gutted to lose because I played so well in the early part of the match," said Doherty.

"I made a good break to win the sixth frame and that gave me real confidence. It was a tough match and a good win."