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John Higgins forced to work for a quarter-final clash with Stuart Bingham at the Masters

John Higgins smiles after beating Liang Wenbo during the Dafabet Masters 2016
Image: John Higgins smiles after victory over Liang Wenbo

John Higgins has reached the quarter-finals of the Masters after a tense 6-4 win over Liang Wenbo at Alexandra Palace.

The two-time winner compiled three centuries in a closely contested encounter and was grateful for an error from Liang as he finally set up a showdown with world champion Stuart Bingham.

Liang had defeated Neil Robertson in last month's UK Championship final and the talented 28-year-old appeared to be dragging Higgins towards a decider when he led 55-45 in the 10th frame.

But the Chinese player failed to pot a green that drifted away from the cushion, handing Higgins the chance to clean up and progress.

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"A lot of players will think it was an easy shot on the green but I knew it was difficult," the two-time Masters champion told BBC Two.

"We all know he's a great player and it's probably taken him a little while to come through but he's played great today, stuck in there and potted some unbelievable balls.

"That's got to give him confidence. For the rest of the season he's going to be a big danger."

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