Selby sets up meeting with Murphy

Selby took just 90 minutes to deal with Higgins

Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy will meet in the China Open semi-finals, while Stephen Maguire takes on Ryan Day.

Selby sent world champion John Higgins crashing out with an impressive 5-2 win while Murphy dispensed with Mark Allen in a confident 5-3 victory.

"I'm very pleased to get through to another semi and continue my consistent form," said a delighted Murphy.

"With the exception of Ronnie O'Sullivan the four players left are the best in the world at the moment."

Selby was in excellent form to dump out world number one Higgins - his conqueror at the World Championship final last May - in just 90 minutes.

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"I was very consistent - that's probably the first time this week that I've played well throughout the match," said Selby, winner of the Welsh Open and Masters' crowns this season.

"This win gives me great confidence - if I can keep playing like this, hopefully I can go on to win the title."

Higgins admitted: "Mark played well, but I gave him too many chances. My tactical play was very bad. I was giving chances away too cheaply, that was the disappointing thing for me."

Scot Maguire cruised to a 5-0 victory in his quarter-final clash with Nigel Bond, but Welshman Day was pushed considerably harder by compatriot Mark Williams 5-3.

"It was a very good game. It was a good quality match, with good breaks and safety," said a delighted Day.