Davis, leading 9-7 overnight, held his nerve to complete a 13-11 victory sinking an audacious doubled brown as he cleared up in a tense 24th frame.

Davis, who won the last of his six world titles in 1989, carries a few extra wrinkles from the fresh-faced youth who dominated the game in the 1980s.

He was not expected to challenge having failed to reach the second round of the tournament for the last three years, but he showed resilience and daring in equal measure in the final frame after Higgins had fought back to 11-11.

Davis, who sunk to his knees in celebration after potting the decisive pink, next faces either Australia's Neil Robertson or fellow Englishman Martin Gould.