John Higgins Triumphs Over Selby in Emotional Tour Championship Final

John Higgins Wins Emotional Tour Championship Final Over Mark Selby

In a thrilling final at the Tour Championship in Manchester, John Higgins defeated Mark Selby 10-8 to claim the title and £160,000 in prize money. The match was a roller coaster of emotions, with Higgins taking an early 5-1 lead before Selby stormed back to win seven consecutive frames and lead 8-5.

However, the 49-year-old Scot showcased his champion's heart by battling back, compiling a record eight centuries in a best-of-19 match to reclaim the lead. Higgins sealed the victory with a stunning 132 clearance in the final frame.

The win marked Higgins' second ranking title in two months, following his triumph at the World Open in March. The four-time world champion was visibly emotional after the match, describing it as the best win of his illustrious career.

"You are playing a monster of a player," Higgins said of Selby. "To be 5-1 up and to be frozen out to be 8-5 behind, you don't come back and win five in a row against Mark Selby normally. I managed to do it, so it was incredible."

Higgins' performance was all the more impressive given Selby's reputation as one of the toughest competitors on the circuit. The Scot admitted that he had doubted himself in recent years but was proud to be back challenging the game's top players.

The victory was made even sweeter by the presence of Higgins' wife and children in the crowd, a moment that brought the former world number one to tears during his post-match interview.

With the World Championship set to begin on April 19, Higgins has sent a clear message to his rivals that he is in top form and ready to challenge for a fifth world title at the Crucible.

Key Takeaways:

• John Higgins defeated Mark Selby 10-8 to win the Tour Championship
• Higgins compiled a record eight centuries in the match
• The Scot described the victory as the best win of his career
• Higgins has now won two ranking titles in two months
• The emotional triumph comes just weeks before the start of the World Championship