Scotch semi locked

The first session on the previous day had ended 4-4 with Maguire in slightly better form, though pegged back repeatedly by stubborn and tactically astute former world champion Higgins.

That continued in the first frame of the day, with the exception of one shot when the Glaswegian missed an easy black and followed with the white - which did find the pocket.

Higgins was used to levelling against his younger opponent and did so again from there, racking up 90 consecutive points to put its result beyond doubt - the closest the players came to a century in the session.

So it continued. Maguire moved ahead with ease before Higgins dug in to do just enough for 6-6.

After the mid-session interval Higgins took the lead for the first time in the match so far. The frame was littered with defensive play once again as they sought to gain position and found the top cushion on countless shots.

The first pivotal moment of the contest then arrived: with Higgins leading by 23, Maguire steered the cue ball expertly between the blue and pink to slam home the green when he looked to be snookered. A less talented player may have opted for defence while he went about the business of clearing the table.

Maguire could barely suppress a punch into the air as he left for a quick break and returned with a 62 run to recover his supremacy, leading to the second important period: would Higgins be able to keep up one last time, or he take a two-frame and psychological advantage into the evening session?

Higgins did indeed draw level with a pair of runs, the second including a crowd-pleasing plant on the reds.