Harold scored one of the greatest comeback wins in the 27-year history of the Benson & Hedges Masters as he fought back from 5-1 down to deny Parrott a place in the last four with a 6-5 victory.

It took the 34-year-old from Stoke on Trent four hours 30 minutes to reach the finishing line, potting a re-spotted black to end the drama.

"That was 10 years of frustration coming out because usually I'm the most mild-mannered of people," said Harold, guaranteed his biggest career pay cheque of £45,000 for reaching the last four.

"When I was walking out of the arena it was like a dream. It was as though I wasn't there," said Harold who also won two other frames on the black and a third on the pink during his remarkable great escape.

"I had enough chances to sink a battleship," groaned Parrott, so close yet so far from just his second win of the season.

"I wouldn't like to be the family cat when I get home. I'll be pretty sore for a couple of days but I'll get over it, " he said unconvincingly.

It remains to be seen whether Hendry can hit the same high notes though after seeing U2 at their exclusive London concert on Wednesday night, the Scot hopes to be striking the same chord himself against local hero White.

The decibel level was almost as high as a U2 gig when White defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan in the last 16.

And Hendry said: "I think earmuffs will be the order of the day. I might have a couple of people supporting me.

"There is shouting and there is shouting. Hopefully, it will be kept under control. This venue is one of the best in terms of atmosphere.

"But sometimes you get an idiot who calls out when they shouldn't do. But they don't only do it when I'm playing, they do it when Jimmy or Ronnie are playing as well.

"If we don't get any nonsense then we should get a great match."