Stephen Hendry eased to a crushing 13-3 victory over Ian McCulloch at the world championship today to set up a semi-final showdown with Ronnie O'Sullivan.
"It was a pretty solid performance," said Hendry. "I got into the lead and was never in danger, so I was able to play my natural game."
O'Sullivan, his next opponent, is the bookies' favourite and the man in form but Hendry believes this will count for little.
"Ronnie's playing at a higher standard than me and his break-building has been incredible but it's what happens on the day."
Two years ago, O'Sullivan angered Hendry by telling the Scot he would be "sending him back to his sad little life in Scotland" before their semi-final meeting at the Crucible.
Although the pair have hardly spoken since, Hendry is keen to play down any suggestion of animosity.
"That's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned," said the seven-times champion, who has won all three of his matches against O'Sullivan in the tournament.
"I've got the utmost respect for Ronnie, he's one of the greatest natural talents I've ever seen."
Welshman Matthew Stevens held off a determined late comeback from Joe Perry to seal his fourth world championship semi-final appearance in five years.
Perry recovered from 11-4 down to trail Stevens 12-10, but the Welshman clinched a scrappy 23rd frame to win 13-10.
Stevens will play Graeme Dott in the semi-finals after the latter beat David Gray 13-7.