Higgins Set to Duel Trump in Masters Semi-Finals

In an exhilarating showdown at Alexandra Palace, John Higgins staged a remarkable comeback to triumph over reigning champion Zhao Xintong, clinching victory on the final black ball in a nail-biting deciding frame. This thrilling finish in a classic match saw Higgins, a two-time Masters winner, defy the odds after trailing 5-3, earning him a well-deserved standing ovation as he secured a 6-5 win.

Now, the Scottish veteran will take on world number one Judd Trump in the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday at 13:00 GMT. Trump advanced by defeating Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen with a score of 6-2, although the match was characterized by several extended tactical battles rather than high-octane play.

Despite the lack of fireworks, Trump managed to find his form when it counted most, winning four consecutive frames after the break to secure his place in the next round. This stood in stark contrast to the electrifying display put on by Higgins and Zhao earlier on Thursday.

Higgins’ Remarkable Resilience

In a gripping contest, the 50-year-old Higgins capitalized on a stroke of luck as he became the oldest semi-finalist since Eddie Charlton, who was 53 during the 1983 tournament. Reflecting on his luck, Higgins remarked, “I was so fortunate. In the penultimate frame, I attempted a plant shot, messed it up, but ended up fluking a ball. Perhaps it was fate.”

He added, “I focused intently on the final black to ensure I didn’t miss it.” The match showcased high-quality snooker, with Zhao notching impressive breaks of 89 and 74, while Higgins countered with a stunning 114 break and a run of 64 as they exchanged victories over the first six frames.

Zhao, striving for the coveted Triple Crown in snooker, surged ahead to a 5-3 lead after Higgins accidentally potted a red ball and subsequently missed a crucial black. However, the veteran player, who holds the record for the most consecutive Masters appearances at 32, rallied to level at 5-4 and ultimately pushed the match to an 11th frame.

Climactic Finish

In a dramatic conclusion, Higgins finished strong, clearing the colors after Zhao faltered at a score of 53 and missed a challenging red to the top right corner. Currently sitting fifth in the world rankings, Higgins remains a significant figure in snooker, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd as he reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2021.

As he entered the arena to the sounds of The Stone Roses’ iconic track ‘I Am the Resurrection,’ the cheers grew louder, and they echoed even more as he departed. Although he faced some positional struggles in the latter frames, his ability to turn the game around against Zhao demonstrated his resilient match-play.

Higgins also credited a more relaxed mindset for his performance, having spent the previous day unwinding with his wife Denise by attending a musical in London’s West End instead of practicing. “I didn’t pick up my cue yesterday; we enjoyed a lovely dinner. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to step back and see where that takes you,” he shared.

Trump’s Critical Turnaround

In the encounter between Trump and Allen, the latter made breaks of 69 and 76, leading to a deadlock at 2-2 by the interval. At that point, Allen, ranked 10th, had arguably outperformed Trump, who holds a less favorable head-to-head record against him.

However, a pivotal moment occurred when Allen missed a mid-range red that could have secured him the fifth frame, shifting the momentum in Trump’s favor. Until that juncture, Trump’s highest break had been just 35, but he seized the opportunity to clear the table with a break of 50, snatching the frame by a narrow margin.

Following this, Trump picked up steam, securing the next frame with a score of 70 and adding a break of 68, propelling him into his eighth Masters semi-final against a familiar opponent with whom he has previously competed in Crucible finals. “I didn’t bring my A-game today, but I had to dig deep at 2-2 to make that crucial clearance, and the match shifted from there,” Trump stated. “I typically don’t perform my best against him, but today, I managed without it, which is fortunate for me.”