Higgins and Hawkins Deadlocked 4-4 in Crucible Semi-Final Thriller

In a thrilling opening session of the World Snooker Championship semi-final, four-time champion John Higgins and Barry Hawkins found themselves locked in a tense battle, with the score tied at 4-4.

Hawkins, who has reached the one-table setup at the Crucible three times previously, showcased his determination to secure a maiden world title. The Londoner took the opener with a break of 54 before Higgins responded emphatically, crafting runs of 99 and 91 to gain a 2-1 lead.

Hawkins, known for his tenacity, clawed his way back by clinching a closely contested fourth frame. The 43-year-old then capitalized on a rare misstep from Higgins, who missed the final blue when poised to regain the lead, allowing Hawkins to clear to the pink and move 3-2 ahead.

Undeterred, the experienced Higgins rallied with a sublime 131 clearance, his 90th career century at the Crucible, to restore parity at 3-3. The Scot, seeking to reach his ninth World Championship final, edged back in front with a hard-fought 54-minute frame.

However, Hawkins had the final say in the session, compiling a fine break of 104 to ensure neither player held the advantage heading into the second session.

Key Takeaway:
John Higgins and Barry Hawkins found themselves deadlocked at 4-4 after an enthralling opening session in their World Snooker Championship semi-final. Both players demonstrated their quality, with Higgins compiling a 131 clearance and Hawkins responding with a 104 break. The evenly matched contest sets the stage for a captivating battle as they vie for a spot in the championship final.