John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams not only in peak form but could play on until 60s

For the fourth time in history - and the first time in 11 years - John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams have all booked their place in the world championship quarter-final. 

The trio have previously reached this stage of the event together in 1998, 1999 and 2011. Higgins believes that all three men producing some of their best snooker in their careers.

"I feel as if I am. Mark Williams, I feel, certainly played incredible. Ronnie is just such a tougher player to play against now. He's actually scrapping for every single shot and frame, whereas before maybe he threw the towel in an odd time. That makes him undeniably the best player he's ever been.

"To say that 30 years later the three of us are better players, that's an incredible stat I think.

"That's just my opinion, maybe the other two guys will have different opinions. But me, looking at them from outside in, playing against them and watching, yeah, without a doubt."

O'Sullivan enjoyed a comprehensive 13-4 victory over Mark Allen to book a quarter-final date with Stephen Maguire.