John Higgins rolled back the years with a vintage comeback to defeat reigning world champion Zhao Xintong 6-5 in a gripping final-frame decider, securing his place in the semi-finals of the Masters at Alexandra Palace.
In one of the standout matches of the tournament so far, the two-time Masters champion produced a display of resilience and nerve under pressure to overcome a younger opponent who had looked on course for victory. Higgins’ dramatic triumph was greeted by a rapturous ovation from the packed crowd, underlining his enduring popularity and status as one of snooker’s all-time greats.
The 50-year-old Scot will now face world number one Judd Trump in the semi-finals on Saturday, setting up a mouth-watering clash between two players who have already shared multiple iconic encounters on snooker’s biggest stages.
Higgins Produces Classic Comeback Against Zhao
The quarter-final appeared to be slipping away from Higgins when he trailed 5-3 after a series of costly moments. Zhao capitalised on an error in the seventh frame when Higgins went in-off after potting a red, before the Scot missed a crucial black in the following frame to hand his opponent a commanding advantage.
Zhao, who has been targeting snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown, looked composed and confident as he closed in on victory. Earlier in the match, the Chinese star had compiled impressive breaks of 89 and 74, showcasing his scoring power and maturity on the big stage.
However, Higgins responded in trademark fashion. Drawing on decades of experience, he steadied himself, tightened his safety play and began to claw his way back into the contest. Breaks of 114 and 64 earlier in the match had already signalled his scoring intent, and he rediscovered that rhythm just in time to force a deciding frame.
Final-Frame Drama at Alexandra Palace
The deciding frame delivered drama worthy of the occasion. With tension high, Zhao broke down on 53 after missing a difficult red to the top-right corner, opening the door for Higgins. The Scot seized his opportunity, calmly clearing the colours to complete a memorable turnaround and seal a 6-5 victory on the final black.
Higgins later admitted he had benefitted from a slice of good fortune earlier in the match but showed typical composure when it mattered most, staying down on the final shot to ensure there was no margin for error.
The victory made Higgins the oldest Masters semi-finalist since Eddie Charlton in 1983, further underlining his longevity at the top level of the sport.
Enduring Class and Popularity of Higgins
Currently ranked fifth in the world, Higgins continues to be one of snooker’s biggest attractions. Making a record-extending 32nd consecutive appearance at the Masters, he was warmly received by the crowd from the moment he entered the arena and was sent off with even louder acclaim at the conclusion of the match.
Although his positional play faltered at times during the latter stages, Higgins’ ability to find solutions under pressure and turn the match around highlighted his formidable match-play instincts.
He also revealed that a more relaxed approach away from the table may have helped his performance, having spent the previous day enjoying time in London rather than engaging in intense practice.
Trump Battles Past Allen to Set Up Blockbuster Clash
Judd Trump secured his place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 6-2 victory over Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen in a scrappy and tactical encounter that never fully caught fire.
The opening stages were evenly contested, with Allen producing breaks of 69 and 76 to reach the mid-session interval level at 2-2. At that point, Allen appeared the sharper of the two and held the psychological edge, boasting a strong head-to-head record against Trump.
The turning point came in the fifth frame when Allen missed a mid-range red that would have put him in control. Trump pounced, clearing the table with a decisive half-century to steal the frame by a single point and swing the momentum firmly in his favour.
From there, the world number one grew in confidence, adding breaks of 70 and 68 as he reeled off four consecutive frames to close out the match.
Trump Finds Form at the Right Time
While Trump acknowledged he was not at his best throughout the contest, his ability to raise his level when the pressure increased proved decisive. The win marks his eighth Masters semi-final appearance and sets up another chapter in his storied rivalry with Higgins.
The pair have previously met in two World Championship finals, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a high-quality and emotionally charged semi-final showdown.
A Semi-Final Steeped in History
The upcoming clash between Higgins and Trump brings together two of snooker’s most accomplished performers. Higgins’ experience, tactical nous and competitive grit will be tested against Trump’s flair, scoring power and big-match temperament.
For Higgins, it represents another chance to add to an already glittering career. For Trump, it is an opportunity to assert his dominance as the game’s leading figure. With contrasting styles and rich history between them, the semi-final is poised to be one of the highlights of the Masters.
Leave a Reply