Harold slays Higgins at Wembley

Dave Harold made it third time lucky at Wembley beating former champion John Higgins 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Benson and Hedges Masters.

Harold had lost on his two previous visits to the capital and had come out second best against the Scotsman on five occasions.

"I used to think that John was on a different level to me," admitted the likeable Potteries professional.

"So, you can imagine I am chuffed with this result. It's been about 10 years coming ever since I first played him as a professional.

"But to be honest I didn't play to my best and neither did John. He missed a few and I could sense he was off his game.

"And from 3-3 I hardly missed a ball. As I was potting the last few balls I could hardly believe what was happening. It was like a dream because this tournament and the venue means so much to all the players.

"It's on a par if not better than the Crucible at Sheffield."

Harold, who now plays John Parrott or Stephen Lee for a place in the last four, is assured of £30,000.