JOHN HIGGINS set up a fascinating clash with Ireland's Ken Doherty as the World Championship quarter final line up was completed in Sheffield last night.
World number two Higgins polished off qualifier Dominic Dale 13-5, leaving behind his indifferent performance in the first round.
But the 21 year old Scot knows he must be at his peak to overcome Doherty when their quarter final starts this afternoon.
Higgins, who led Dale 6-2 overnight, was irresistible when the pair resumed yesterday. He rattled off the first six frames and threatened to end the contest a session early until Dale salvaged some pride with a 110 break and then battled back to make it 12-4.
And after another brief flurry from the Welshman, Higgins capped an impressive display with his first century of the match, a run of 101 which confirmed his place in the last eight.
Unhappy with his opening 10-6 victory over Graham Horne, Higgins remained cautious about his prospects but admitted he was encouraged by the way he was playing.
"I feel a lot more relaxed now," said Higgins, who has been struggling since changing his cue earlier in the season.
But it will be a very tough match against Ken. A lot of people are tipping him to win the tournament after he beat Steve Davis 13-3, but he's never beaten me yet.
