MATTHEW Stevens produced one of his best performances in recent years to thrash Shaun Murphy 4-0 in Newport.

Stevens stormed into the last 16 of the Wyldecrest Park Homes Welsh Open after destroying the Magician in only 79 minutes and showed signs of his best form with some excellent break building.

Murphy Said: "Fair play to him, he played well, he potted most of his shots from the long grass and he deservedly won today. Certain players are class players and he is definitely one of them."

Stephen Hendry also cruised into the last 16 without conceding a frame, beating Joe Perry 4-0.

And John Higgins was the first man into the quarter-finals, beating Dave Harold 4-1.

Higgins made light work of veteran Harold to book his place in the last eight in Newport with a comprehensive victory.

The Scotsman was always in control and the Stoke Potter had no answer to the current World No 1.

Higgins was extremely happy with his performance and said: "It was a good match, Dave is maybe not as pleasing to the eye as some people are but he certainly knows how to play the game. I didn't miss many at all.

He added that he felt much more composed today than he did in the opening round, which was the first match he had played since the recent death of his father. "I managed to get some practice in today and that helped me play better. I wasn't thinking about coming down here to defend my trophy but to just play well and if I retain it, then great," said Higgins.

With Hendry already in the last 16, Stephen Maguire made it a great day for the Scots by beating Gerard Greene 4-2.