Mark Williams left staggered as he cheers on two rivals before epic Crucible match

quipped snooker's famous Class of 92 are "hanging around like a bad smell" ahead of tomorrow's blockbuster quarter-final showdown with at the .

The evergreen prolific potting pair, who turned professional in the same summer alongside , have a combined age of almost 100.

It is a great testament to the legendary trio's longevity that they are still all ranked inside the world's top six with a genuine shot of Crucible glory.

Williams, 50, is struggling with his eyesight and has booked in for lens replacement surgery in the summer, whilst Higgins is usually in bed by 9.30pm and using cat naps to keep his energy levels up in Sheffield.

It will be the latest instalment of a Crucible rivalry which has stemmed over 25 years. And world No.6 Williams, who is the oldest quarter-finalist since 52-year-old Steve Davis in 2010, roared: "Come on the old boys!

"Somehow us three are hanging around like a bad smell. I don't think there is another sport where you could be at the top at our age. Normally the older you get the worse you get. Your eyes go, everything goes, your stamina, fitness.

"It's incredible. Three years ago the semi-finals were us three and Judd [Trump] and he said he was caught up in a seniors event. Amazingly three years on we're still here. I don't know how I'm still playing to a fairly decent level. I've got no answers for you.

"I'm 100 per cent enjoying the moments, more than I've ever done. I say it every year but I don't know how long I'll keep coming back here.

"I think it will be a fabulous occasion for our age and where we are in our careers." Williams famously denied Higgins a fifth world crown in their classic 2018 final as he pocketed his third title on the game's grandest stage.

And determined Higgins is out for revenge against the man who has inflicted some of his toughest losses at the sport's spiritual Sheffield home.

Welsh Potting Machine Williams leads their World Championship head-to-head 4-1 with semi-final victories in 1999 and 2000 alongside the final triumph standing out for his old Scottish rival.

"Twenty five years ago we could be playing here and we would be big, big rivals," reflected third seed Higgins.

"I think now we walk into the practice room sometimes and give each other a nod because we're still doing all right against these great players who are coming through.

"We're still in there fighting with them which is a great testament to all three of us. Just three special players. He's managed to get the better of me over the years here.

"I think I've maybe got that semi-final win [2011] against him here. He's beaten me in the final and another couple of semi-finals. I'll be trying to even the score up."