World champion John Higgins defeated world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-4 here on Saturday to set up a final clash with defending champion Allister Carter.

Higgins and O'Sullivan have met in every ranking event this season and the Wizard of Wishaw held a 3-1 lead after his victory on Saturday.

"It's been a long time coming, but I'm delighted," said Higgins who's last appearance in the final of Welsh Open was ten years ago. At that time, he edged Stephen Lee 9-8 to clinch the title.

In frame four, Higgins finished a total clearance of 138, the highest break so far to make it 2-2. The pair could not be split until Higgins took the ninth and tenth frame to wrap it up.

"It was a professional performance from John. He's a top, top player, everyone knows that and if you don't take enough chances you'll get beat," said three-time world champion O'Sullivan.

In another semifinal held earlier, Carter, 30, beat Stephen Maguire 6-3 to get through to his third ranking final in his career.

"Stephen's a tough player but I think he struggled with the table today. I had a bit of luck in the middle of the match," said Carter, who overcame Joe Swail 9-5 in last year's final.