Maguire makes life hard for Higgins

Higgins was the 4-6 on favourite with bookmakers Ladbrokes to triumph in the best-of-33-frames encounter.

But Maguire, back in the inspiring form displayed when he burst onto the snooker scene three years ago, gave every indication he would push his opponent all the way.

Maguire, who was appearing in his first world semi-final, was first into his stride and a red down the rail was the opening pot in an impressive 85 break.

The second frame was more nip and tuck with Higgins first in with a run of 55 before a poor safety shot allowed Maguire back in contention with a 45 before he ran out of position on the final red.

Higgins, appearing in his first world semi-final for six years, looked set for a comfortable clearance on the colours before unintentionally clipping the pink. But the player nicknamed the Wizard of Wishaw did eventually level matters with a fine cut on the same ball into the yellow pocket.

Maguire registered his sixth century in the tournament in the next to regain the initiative. He snookered Higgins behind the yellow after an initial 27 and, when the 31-year-old failed to escape, took full advantage with a 102 clearance.

Maguire, the 2004 United Kingdom champion, was looking in formidable form and made Higgins pay for another error in the final frame before the mid-session interval.

Higgins failed to pot a slow red and Maguire needed no second invitation in compiling 79 before Higgins conceded and headed to the dressing rooms.

The other semi-final between 2005 champion Shaun Murphy and qualifier Mark Selby will get under way this evening.