Time to strap in for another Masters quarter-final.

This evening it's world number one Judd Trump against Northern Ireland's Mark Allen, who are both former winners of this prestigious tournament.

Image source, Getty Images

John Higgins speaking to BBC Sport: "I was so lucky, in the second last frame I tried a plant and butchered it and fluked a ball. Then I got a chance in the last frame and I don't normally play those plain ball shots across. I should have screwed up for a baulk colour and I miss.

"I fancied him going for the red. He missed, got me in a snooker that I got out of and then it's a tough one he misses.

"I am delighted and I am so proud I am still doing it. So proud I am through to another semi-final here and I will enjoy it.

"I've got Mark Allen or Judd Trump next, two of the best players we have ever seen play the game so it'll be tough. I will enjoy it and give it my best."

John Higgins is full of tension but is getting through the colours.

In goes the black. He has won the final three frames to reach the semi-finals. Wow.

Pure drama. Zhao Xintong runs out of position on 53 and when John Higgins gets out of a snooker, he misses a tempter to the top right corner.

Oh my word. John Higgins is in and on a run of 34 when he misses a red to the right corner.

Zhao Xintong is going to get a reprieve and could possibly win the match with this opportunity.

Crikey what a frame. Zhao Xintong gets in first but can only make 28 and then John Higgins breaks down on 35.

The 'Wizard of Wishaw' then gets an outrageous fluke while trying to knock in a long and risky plant and goes on to set up a decider with a half century.

John Higgins needs a few chances and looks to be really struggling but for position but eventually takes the ninth frame to reduce his arrears.

Could this match go the distance?

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

John Higgins has gifted Zhao Xintong this frame.

John Higgins looks odds on to level the match but when he misses a black to the bottom right corner Zhao Xintong steps in to clear yellow to pink and take the frame. What a steal.

John Higgins has the first chance but goes awry when disturbing the pack. That allows Zhao Xintong to counter and get a little lucky when Higgins goes in off after flicking a red into the left middle.

The world champion eventually wins the frame after laying a couple of snookers.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

It's incredible the standard of snooker that John Higgins is still playing at the age of 50.

There was a time when it looked possibly like one of the 'Class of 92' was going to drop out first and his top 16 place was in jeopardy and arguably he is now playing the best of the three.

The run of 6-2 matches is over. He can't secure the frame at one visit but John Higgins gets back to 3-3 with a couple of difficult reds thrown into the mix.

John Higgins misses a long red to the left corner and in almost identical fashion to the opening frame Zhao Xintong gets in to craft a break of 74 and win the frame.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

It is about the right scoreline if we are being honest. John Higgins had a very handy fluke and then his pot on the yellow is pearler but the fortunate part is where the white finishes.

You make the most of it. You are ging to get bad luck, when you get good luck you have to make the most of it.

It has been really high quality. Both players are on great form.

John Higgins draws level again with a half century, after it has to be said, getting a very decent run of the balls.