Four-time champion John Higgins says he cannot wait to take on David Gilbert after reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in Sheffield.

The ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ endured a tough start on Wednesday as he fell 7-5 behind and his path to the final four looked blocked by his Aussie rival. However, the contest turned at the end of the second session as he came back from behind to lead 9-7.

Robertson refused to lie down, and he grabbed another couple of frames to make it 10-9 but Higgins found his rhythm before claiming a 13-10 success.

A fifth Cruicble crown is now in Higgins’ sights and he is now the second favourite to win the tournament at odds of 2.75. Although he has failed to win a title all season, Higgins has experience on his side in Sheffield and he hopes Gilbert panics with the final on the horizon.

He told World Snooker: “To get back to that one table set up now is unbelievable. To see the guys like Gary Wilson (who faces Judd Trump) and David Gilbert get there for the first time, you can see the delight on their faces.

“If I was sat at home watching the tournament, I’d be wanting David to win, he’s a nice guy. But I’ve got to play him and hopefully we have a good game. I hope he freezes a little bit. I played Kyren Wilson last year when it was his first time, it took him a little while getting used to it. I managed to get my nose in front any stay there, I’d love that to happen again.

“David has played far better than me this year so I’m under no illusions how tough a game it’s going to be. The way he has dispatched Mark Williams and Kyren pretty easily, I certainly don’t think I’m the favourite.”

Gilbert is 3.20 to secure a shock win, while Higgins remains as short as 1.33 to reach the final.