John Higgins produced a vintage fightback to defeat world champion Zhao Xintong on the black in a final-frame decider and reach the semi-finals of the Masters.

It was a remarkable conclusion to a thrilling contest at Alexandra Palace, with two-time winner Higgins, who appeared to be down and out when he trailed 5-3, recieving a huge ovation after wrapping up a 6-5 triumph.

In a high-quality encounter China’s Zhao constructed breaks of 89 and 74, while Higgins responded with a superb 114 and run of 64 as the players traded the first six frames.

Zhao, who was aiming to complete snooker’s Triple Crown, capitalised and opened up a 5-3 lead when Higgins went in-off after potting a red to the middle in the seventh frame and then missed a crucial black in the eighth frame.

However, Higgins, who is making a record-extending 32nd consecutive appearance at the Masters, rallied and benefited from some good fortune to get back to 5-4 and then force an 11th frame.

In a see-saw finale the 50-year-old Scot, who last won the invitational tournament in 2006, cleared the colours after Zhao broke down on 53 and missed a tough red to the top-right corner.

Higgins will now face either Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen or world number one Judd Trump in the last four on Saturday (13:00 GMT).

More to follow.