DAVID Howell admitted the extent of his victory over compatriot Chris Wood had surprised him as he cruised into the semi finals of the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay in Scotland today.

Howell, who had defeated home player Chris Doak 2&1 in the morning at Aberdeen, stormed past Bristol's Wood in the quarter finals to tee up a last-four clash against 2006 Ryder Cup teammate Robert Karlsson, of Sweden at the Murcar Links club tomorrow.

Wood, who had enjoyed two easy victories before edging past Julien Quesne on the 18th in the third round, roared into the lead against the Swindon man with a birdie and eagle inside four holes.

But Howell responded on the fifth and was two up after 10 as his rival struggled.

Howell holed his approach to the short 11th for an eagle two and a par on the next was enough to move four up on Wood.

A bogey on the 14th was enough for Howell to complete a 5&4 victory after Wood pushed his approach into a water hazard for the second round in succession.

"I'm fairly surprised to run out a 5&4 winner because I thought it was going to be a close match and Chris went two up early with a birdie and an eagle," Howell said.

"I was up against it at that point but made a lovely birdie on the fifth and things went my way from then on."

The 40-year-old has finished second three times this season and admitted he was not sure if he could cope with the demands of a possible six rounds in four days.

"We talked about that before deciding to play here this week and this is my sixth week in a row as well," Howell said. "But I'm feeling good. My physio has been keeping me in great shape of late and I've been working out. I might be 40, and I do feel it, but I'm doing well anyway."

He added: “I think we all want to be in the final and we all want to win this championship. It's been a joy to play and everyone has enjoyed the straight knockout match play format as it’s first time in many years we've had it on the Tour.

"I've enjoyed it and I know all the guys have. I would like to get to that final and have a chance to win; but should it not happen, play in a third place play-off thenso be it. World Ranking points and Race to Dubai points to play for so looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully can get the job done.”