John Higgins booked his place in the 58th ranking event final of his career with a 10-7 victory over Barry Hawkins at the Tour Championship in Manchester.
A match that had threatened to go the distance when the score was 4-4 at the end of the afternoon session turned into a near procession for Higgins in the evening, the veteran Scot dominating proceedings as Hawkins somewhat surprisingly struggled for his best form.
It was a disappointing end for Hawkins who had earlier in the week looked the best player on show in inflicting heavy defeats on Shaun Murphy and Judd Trump.
When Hawkins finished the afternoon with a total clearance of 140 to get back on level terms, few would have predicted a comfortable victory for Higgins, but the latter compiled breaks of 144 and 130 in a rare burst which saw him win four out of five frames to move 9-6 ahead.
Played to perfection from John Higgins! 🤩#TourChampionship | @Sportsbetio pic.twitter.com/mZeGycCXY4
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Hawkins did manage to keep his hopes alive by winning frame 16 courtesy of a run of 99, but Higgins wouldn't relent and signed off with another century, his third of the match, to set up a meeting with either Mark Selby or Ding Junhui in Sunday's final.
Higgins told ITV afterwards: "Barry was in control this afternoon. His white ball was a lot better than mine. I felt I was running out of position too many times.
"But tonight I felt as if I was getting the table right and I felt good out there. It's great.
"Into another final, I'm absolutely delighted."
Hawkins reflected: "A few loose shots here and there from me, but John capitalised and punished me heavily.
"He looked like he was in top form and I thought he played great there."
