Mark Williams Edges Higgins 13-12 in Snooker Classic Thriller
In a gripping World Snooker Championship quarter-final match, Mark Williams edged out John Higgins 13-12 on the final black to secure a semi-final berth. The thrilling contest saw momentum shifts, missed opportunities, and a dramatic conclusion that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
The two veterans, both part of the celebrated 'Class of 92', entered the final session tied at 8-8. Williams, a three-time world champion, capitalized on Higgins' costly errors to win the first four frames, crafting three half-centuries in the process. The Welshman extended his lead to 12-8, seemingly in control of the match.
However, Higgins, a four-time Crucible king, mounted a spirited comeback. The Scot found his rhythm and reeled off breaks of 94, 114, and 67 to level the scores at 12-12, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking final frame.
Both players had chances in the decider, but it was Williams who held his nerve. After Higgins narrowly missed a crucial blue, rattling the jaws of the corner pocket, Williams stepped up and executed a pressure-packed shot on the blue to seal the victory. The 50-year-old became the oldest semi-finalist since Ray Reardon in 1985.
In the other quarter-final, China's Zhao Xintong comfortably defeated Chris Wakelin 13-5 to reach the single table setup for the first time. Zhao, competing as an amateur after serving a 20-month suspension for breaching match-fixing rules, has been in exceptional form, winning 45 out of 47 matches since his return.
The semi-final lineup promises to be intriguing, with Williams facing world number one Judd Trump in a rematch of their 2022 encounter, while Zhao takes on seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Key Takeaways:
- Mark Williams defeated John Higgins 13-12 in a thrilling quarter-final decided on the final black.
- Williams became the oldest semi-finalist since Ray Reardon in 1985.
- Zhao Xintong comfortably progressed to the semi-finals with a 13-5 victory over Chris Wakelin.
- The semi-finals will feature Williams vs. Trump and Zhao vs. O'Sullivan.
