John Higgins battles into World Championships semis to create remarkable 'Class of 92' first

Remarkably, it is the first time that all three of the class of '92 have reached the last four of the same World Championships, with Judd Trump completing the stellar line-up.

Higgins was made to work for it, with Lisowski - who has been working on his tactical game with former world champion Peter Ebdon - carving out a 11-9 lead going into the 21st frame.

"The way he was controlling it, winning all the tactical exchanges, he's got Peter Ebdon in his corner, he looked stronger than me," Higgins said of Lisowski.

"He was winning the tight, tough games. He's improved as a match player without a shadow of a doubt.

"I was struggling all day and I had not been taking my chances. You've just got to find a way to get over the winning line."