Judd Trump is gearing up for a semi-final showdown with snooker legend John Higgins at the Masters. And the current world No. 1 opened up about his genuine feelings towards the Class of '92 icon.

Trump has lifted the trophy at Alexandra Palace on two previous occasions, in 2019 and 2023. Following wins over Ding Junhui and Mark Allen in this year's tournament, he's now within touching distance of another final appearance.

However, standing between him and that goal is the timeless Higgins, who at 50 has become the oldest Masters semi-finalist in over four decades. The Scottish star defeated Barry Hawkins and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong to reach the last four and currently sits at No. 5 in the world rankings.

Speaking to TNT Sports immediately after his quarter-final triumph over Allen, Trump discussed the upcoming encounter with Higgins and shared his honest views on a true great of the sport.

"It was an important game as I knew John won earlier and I've got a good record against him recently," Trump explained. "I watched bits of his final frame against Zhao Xintong [in the quarter-finals] and to be fair, he's had a few tough losses recently, so he was probably due a good one.

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"John has been a tale of two halves. I think the first five or 10 years, he was beating me 5-4, 6-5 every time. He was making those important clearances, but the last 10 years have been somewhat the opposite."

Trump continue using two words, in particular, to describe Higgins: "He's been my favourite player to play against. He's the ultimate test and the manner in which he plays is amazing.

"He's also a gentleman out there, so it feels like you get a proper game against him. There's nothing else going on, no tactics or anything like that.

"I'm glad he's had a bit of a resurgence in the last year or two because there was a spell where it looked like he was dropping down a little bit, but he's come back brilliantly. To still be doing it on this stage, at 50, is incredible.

"I enjoy playing him as with Xintong, you don't really know what you're going to get. I could play badly, he could play unbelievably, so with John he's got that steady level he's going to play at and I know I'm going to have to be at my absolute best to stand a chance."

The second semi-final of this year's Masters will see 2024 world champion Kyren Wilson go head-to-head with the highly-rated Wu Yize. The young Chinese star, known for his fast potting and ambidextrous break-building, has been turning heads in north London.

Yize, just 22, made short work of 2025 Masters winner Shaun Murphy in the opening round before dispatching compatriot Xiao Guodong 6-0 in the next.

Wilson, meanwhile, overcame Si Jiahui in the first round before edging out Neil Robertson in a thrilling encounter, eventually winning 6-5.