John Higgins through to British Open final; will play for Clive Everton trophy on Sunday

Higgins will face Mark Selby in Sunday's final, where the winner will receive the Clive Everton Trophy. Everton, the famed commentator, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

"It is a really sad day for the sport," reflected Higgins. "My first memories of Clive were his voice. It was synonymous with the game. It will be special for whoever lifts the trophy this week with Clive's name on it. He gave his life to the game."

Higgins is now 10 frames from being that person who lifts the trophy, in the process returning to the world's top 16 just days after his near 30-year run inside it came to a temporary end.

To do so he'll have to beat his fellow multiple world champion, Selby, who was always in front against Mark Allen in a higher-scoring contest.

Lines though was playing in his first ranking semi-final, and after losing a lengthy opening frame was never really in the match.

Lines made a costly error in frame two, before a half-century from Higgins extended his lead to 3-0, and then the Scot put all his nous to use to conjure a crucial snooker at the end of frame four.

Breaks of 64 and 67 sealed the win for Higgins, who didn't have to be at his best but may be on Sunday when he meets either Selby or Allen.

"I'm delighted to be in another final and can't wait to get out there tomorrow," said Higgins, who won the British Open in 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004.

"I have not won silverware for a few years and I just love the feeling of being the last man standing, that's why I keep going. I am going to have a monumental game tomorrow, they are both immovable objects who are so tough to compete against. I hope it goes 6-5 tonight either way.

"I'll give it everything. There have been points in the last couple of years where I have felt that I am not good enough to compete against these guys and get to the finals. I will savour it."

Lines said: "Nerves got the better of me. I wanted to at least show why I made the semi-final. Even the easiest pots were looking so hard.

"I have played well all week and I hoped I could find something today, but mentally I didn't give myself a chance, I didn't handle it. You can't play like that against someone of John's class.

"John said to me at the end that it has been a positive week for me. I need to keep getting to these matches to gain more experience."