Higgins proved too strong for Joe Perry 5-3 in their quarter-final clash, while Jones continued his stunning form, defeating Michael White 5-4.

Higgins raced to a 3-1 lead early against Perry before the Englishman rallied to level the scores.

Higgins recovered to win two-straight frames to clinch the match.

“To be honest, I thought Joe was the better player,’’ a modest Higgins said.

“He scored me freely, I was just trying to hang on. Even when I was 3-1 up he came out played two good frames to make it 3-3.

“He should have probably made it 4-3, but I managed to nick a good seventh frame and that turned the game.

“Joe had a couple of chances early on (in that frame) but missed them. If he had have won that frame he probably would have gone on and won the match.”

Higgins is no stranger to the pointy end of major tournaments.

The 40-year-old has won four world championships, three UK Championships and two Masters titles.

Higgins’ experience could be telling in Saturday’s semi-final.

His opponent Jones will play in his first semi-final in a world ranking tournament.

The other semi-final will be played between the winner of Friday night’s quarter-finals.

Defending champion Judd Trump was taking on Scotland’s Stephen Maguire, while Matthew Selt, the man who knocked out Australian star Neil Robertson, was in action against Martin Gould.

Gould was impressive in defeating Michael Holt 5-3 in Thursday’s second round.

"It was a good match with big breaks, we both played well and fortunately I'm the one who got through,’’ Gould said.

“In the first few nights here I was only getting three or four hours sleep, but for the last couple of nights it has been better. The jet lag is always a killer."

The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, with the two winners to advance to Sunday’s final.

The final will be the best of 17 frames. Tickets are available from the Bendigo Stadium box office.