Trump, bidding for his first world title, reeled off eight consecutive frames to move to within six of victory at the Crucible Theatre.

The first session finished level at 4-4 as both players were in superb form, notching four centuries and a further three breaks of over 50 between them.

Higgins, a four-time champion, briefly edged 5-4 in front before Trump found his rhythm to take a commanding lead heading into tomorrow's final day.

The Scot hit a century of his own to open the evening session but it proved to be a fleeting moment of success for the 43-year-old.

Trump, the Masters champion, stroked in a 114 break to take charge and he then won a scrappy, tactical frame.

Further scores of 114, 71, 58 and 70 ensured Trump moved even further clear of a shell-shocked Higgins, who has a mountain to climb if he is to clinch a fifth title.

"It is frightening what Judd Trump can do with the ball," six-time world champion Steve Davis said on BBC.

"This has been a masterclass. 

"He looks like a world champion in the making."