McGill beats Higgins to reach first final in eight years

Anthony McGill has reached his first final in eight years after winning four consecutive frames to beat compatriot John Higgins 6-3 in the semi-finals of the British Open.

The Scot awaits the winner of the second semi-final between defending champion Mark Selby and fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy.

McGill, who has slipped to 57th in the world and had reached his first semi-final in nearly three years, was the underdog against the four-time world champion currently ranked sixth.

But the 34-year-old was delighted to record his third professional win over Higgins in nine meetings despite having trailed 2-1 and 3-2.

"It's fantastic win for me because John is a legend," McGill said after reaching his fourth ranking final.

"This will be the biggest final of my career. In the last couple of years I have won hardly any matches so this is a huge week for me."

From a career high of 12, McGill had even been in danger of relegation from the tour, but he is already guaranteed a return to the top 50.

When Higgins took the fifth frame with a break of 111, the former world champion looked to be in the groove.

However, McGill proved the steadier of the two and a 104 break in the eighth a 93 break in the ninth secured victory.

Higgins, who turned 50 in May, was looking to become the oldest winner of a ranking title but lamented missed chances.

"Anthony hit the ball superbly well, like the way we all know he can," he said. "A big turning point was the fourth frame when I missed an unforgivable red with the rest with the balls at my mercy.

"Then, in the last frame, I butchered a red to the middle. But every credit to Anthony, he finished the match off very well."