Mark Selby plays John Higgins for the sixth time at the Crucible (Picture: Getty Images)
Mark Selby and John Higgins are next-door neighbours during their stay in Sheffield, but they will be doing their best to send the other one home when they meet in the World Championship quarter-finals.
Selby came through a battle with Gary Wilson on Monday evening, downing the Tyneside Terror 13-7 to set up a clash with his fellow four-time world champion.
Higgins was due to play on Monday morning but beat Kyren Wilson 13-2 with a session to spare on Sunday, so will be well rested and in great form for his run out in the last eight.
The pair have met five times at the Crucible before and it will always be a fascinating contest between the two greats, but this one has a strange twist to it.
Selby revealed they are staying next to each other in apartments in Sheffield city centre, and he is tempted by some devilish plans to get an edge on his opponent.
‘John’s in 402, I’m in 401! I might have to check out today and leave the TV on or play some loud music,’ he joked. ‘Or tie a bit of rope in front of his door so when he walks out in the morning he trips up.
‘It’s going to be tough. I’ve seen him every day when we’re passing. If we see each other walking back after playing each other, it’s tough. But I’ve got so much respect for John. I’ll go out there, enjoy the match, try my hardest, if it’s good enough great, if it’s not I’ll wish him all the best.’
He added: ‘I’ve got so much respect for John on and off the table, one of the all-time greats. Amazing player, nothing he’s not achieved in the game.
‘Off the table he’s one of the nicest guys you can meet as well, so I’m really looking forward to it, should be a good match.’
Higgins leads the Crucible head-to-head with Selby 3-2, ahead of their sixth battle getting underway at 2.30pm on Tuesday.
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Neighbours will go to battle at the Crucible.
