Mark Selby plays John Higgins in the Crucible for the sixth time (Image: Getty Images)

Mark Selby and John Higgins will be neighbors during their stay in Sheffield, but will do their best to send the other home when they meet in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Selby came through a battle with Gary Wilson on Monday night to beat the Tyneside Terror 13-7 and begin a clash with his fellow four-time world champions.

Higgins was due to play on Monday morning but beat Kyren Wilson 13-2 and had a free session on Sunday so he will be well rested and in top form for his run in the last eight.

The pair have met five times at the Crucible and it will always be an intriguing battle between the two greats, but this one has a weird twist.

Selby revealed that they live next door in apartments in Sheffield city center and he is tempted by diabolical schemes to gain an advantage over his opponent.

“John’s in 402, I’m in 401! Maybe I should check out today and leave the TV on or play some loud music,” he joked. “Or tie a string to his door so that he trips when he goes out in the morning.

“It’s going to be tough. I saw him every day when we passed. When we see each other go back after playing, it’s hard. But I have so much respect for John. I’m going out, enjoying the game, doing my best, if it’s good enough, I wish him well.”

He added: “I have so much respect for John both on and off the table, one of the greatest of all time. Great player, nothing he hasn’t achieved in the game.

“Off the table he’s also one of the nicest guys you could meet, so I’m really looking forward to it, it should be a good game.”

Higgins leads the Crucible head-to-head with Selby 3-2 ahead of their sixth fight, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.