Mark Williams tells interviewer to 'spit it out' after victory over John Higgins

Snooker star told Rob Walker to "spit it out" after the interviewer tripped over his words in the aftermath of Williams' victory over . Informing the Welsh icon on Wednesday evening that he was now the oldest semi-finalist the has seen for 40 years, Williams jokingly , with the broadcaster seemingly unsure on how to break the news to him.

The high-stakes clash saw both Williams and Higgins revel in dramatic momentum shifts. Despite Higgins carving out an early lead, Williams shot into the lead. Yet, the seasoned Scottish star Higgins, 49, dramatically re-entered the fray by claiming four consecutive frames, propelling the match into a nail-biting decider which Williams narrowly won, 13-12.

Williams is now set to face either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals. After overcoming his hesitation, Walker lauded the three-time World Champion for becoming the oldest semi-finalist since snooker legend Ray Reardon reached the final four at the age of 52 in 1985.

"Yeah, incredible," Williams said in response to Walker. "I don't really know what to say, Rob. It is incredible and I don't know how I'm still doing it but here I am."

Speaking to BBC Sport he revealed his pride at pulling off his final shot to clinch the tie. "Unbelievable game, unbelievable finish," he said.

"The blue I played was probably one of my best shots for many years. What a blue... balls of steel. It was a tough shot. I could have gone in-off. I could have over-cut it. I just went for it full-blooded. There was not one bit of nerves, maybe I've only had them a handful of times in my entire career."

Had Higgins seized his opportunity with the challenging blue, he would have been propelled into the semi-finals. Following the match, an emotional Higgins discussed the challenges he has faced recently.

The 49-year-old's father-in-law suffered a serious health scare just prior to the tournament, and he paid tribute to his wife who was in Sheffield with him.

"I can't be too down on myself. I've lost a classic game there to an unbelievable champion," Higgins said. "I think I've been one of those players who's always had a good perspective.

"Sometimes when I lose in front of you guys it's raw cause you're just coming off. I know what's more important in my life and she's up there [nodding to wife Denise]. I know that.

"I give everything 100 per cent. At the end of the day if I lose it's secondary now. It's my job and I give everything. I lost and I'm devastated right now."

In the other side of the draw, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan secured a slot in the semi-finals after defeating Si Jiahui 13-9, keeping alive his pursuit for an unprecedented eighth crown. O'Sullivan is set to face against former UK champion Zhao Xintong in the next round.