Neil Robertson's run in the Malta Cup came to an end yesterday when the promising Australian was beaten by John Higgins 5-2 in the quarter-finals.
The sizeable crowd at the Hilton Conference Centre were gifted with a classy snooker display by the Scottish world no.5. He showed great potting skills and defensive tactics to outwit his younger opponent who had reached the last eight after stunning wins over Mark Williams and 'people's champion' Jimmy White in previous rounds.
Higgins' opponent in the semi-final today is fellow countryman Graeme Dott. After ousting world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan on Thursday, yesterday Dott beat the legendary Steve Davis 5-1.
It was the second meeting in the space of two weeks between Higgins and Robertson.
Last month, the two players met in the third round of the Welsh Open and on that occasion Robertson, 22, created an upset after edging Higgins 5-4.
But a repeat outcome at the Hilton seemed unlikely from the outset as Higgins soon imposed his superiority on the former world U-21 champion.
Higgins started strongly and won the opening two frames with some high-quality play, compiling runs of 104 and 93.
Roberston did manage to open his account in the third frame. He raced into a 50-point advantage but then missed a red in the bottom right pocket. Higgins failed to profit and Robertson recovered to halve the deficit.
The fourth frame was a scrappy one with both players missing shots which looked easy pots. In the end it was Higgins who extended his advantage to go at the break 3-1 up.
Robertson was desperate to take the initiative when play resumed but he failed to pot a red in the bottom pocket and that paved the way for Higgins to move one frame away from victory with a cool break of 76.
But the talented Robertson was not ready to throw in the towel yet and took a risk on the last black near the cushion to bridge the gap to 4-2.
But in the next frame it was all over. Higgins spotted a way through and that spelt finis for Robertson who succumbed under the pressure.
"My confidence is high and beating Neil helped me a lot in that regard," Higgins said after the match. "I didn't need anybody to tell me the dangers of this game as I experienced at first hand Neil's ability at the Welsh Open last month. I knew that I couldn't afford to commit the same mistakes if I was to go through.
"But, I'm pleased with my game today. I potted some excellent long balls and my defensive game was also very effective. Graeme Dott will certainly be a tough opponent tomorrow.
"Last season, I lost to him in the World Championship... I believe I was playing really badly at that time. During the past few weeks I trained very hard and I'm happy with my current form. It's certainly going to be an open game and who performs the best on the day will win."
Dott, of Glasgow, required two hours and 31 minutes to emerge victorious from a battle of nerves with Davis.
There were very little breaks in this match, the best being a 63 for Davis in the opening frame that lasted almost 32 minutes.
Stephen Hendry became the third Scottish player to reach the last four after beating Tom Ford 5-1. The seven-times world champion rolled three century breaks, including a 138, the highest of the tournament so far.
Hendry's opponent today is Matthew Stevens, of Wales. He beat Scotland's Alan McManus 5-2.
Yesterday's results: Higgins bt Robertson 5-2; Dott bt Davis 5-1; Hendry bt Ford 5-1; Stevens bt McManus 5-2.
Today's semi-finals: 3 p.m. Higgins vs Dott; 8 p.m. Stevens vs Hendry.