The Scot resumed with a 5-3 lead and soon extended his advantage to four as Murphy managed only six points in the first two frames.

Higgins finished off with a break of 84 to set up a meeting with former world champion John Parrott.

"It should be a great game. I'm sure John will be up for it. But I feel great and it's an extra incentive to try and win this title in the same year as the world championship," he said.

Only three players - Parrott, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry - have won the game's top two titles in the same calendar year.

"When you come out of the amateur ranks you think nine frames are marathons. But they're really just a sprint. As I get older, I am getting better all the time and my game is best suited to these best-of-17 or best-of-19 frame matches," Higgins added.

Doherty: Lost six frames in a row

His predecessor as world champion, Ken Doherty, bowed out of the event as he lost 9-7 to practice partner Fergal O'Brien.

Doherty twice held a four-frame lead but his fellow Irishman reeled off six in a row, helped by a 130 break in frame 14, to progress to the last eight where he will face Dave Harold.

"It's going to take a long time to get over this. I can't remember when I've collapsed so badly in a match before. Fergal didn't win the match, more I threw it away," said Doherty.

"It's not easy playing someone you practice with, but I don't think that had any bearing on the game. Friendship goes out of the window once you get on the table."