John Higgins completed the semi-final line-up in the Champions Cup at Brighton when he piled on the agony for Jimmy White yesterday.

The former world champion and world number one from Wishaw defeated the out-of-touch Londoner 5-1 in the last match of the group stages.

Higgins, a semi-finalist in Croydon 12 months ago, must now play unbeaten Mark Williams for a place in Sunday's final.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, who steamrollered the opposition in group B, will meet group A runner-up Stephen Hendry to-morrow.

"I'll need to play better than I have been doing but at least I'm still in the tournament," said Higgins.

"It was a strange feeling going into the match knowing I could still lose and get through. But getting the first frame under my belt helped me settle down.

"I've not had the best preparations for the new season but no-one should doubt my desire is still there to win titles."

Higgins' victory meant Matthew Stevens joined White, Ken Doherty and Stephen Lee as group losers.

It has been a miserable tournament for White, whose fans have flocked to the Brighton Centre to watch their hero.

The world number 18 won only six frames in his three matches and that does not bode well for his bid to regain his top-16 status this season.

He picks up £7,500 for his stay in Sussex while the semi-finalists are guaranteed £15,000.

World champion and world number one Williams had earlier defeated Hendry 5-3.

Title holder Hendry said: "Ronnie has been playing brilliantly this week and looks like he is back to his best.

"He is the man to beat but I look forward to playing him. Today's match with Mark was no real form guide as to what will happen from now on."