In a nail-biter at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre, Scotland’s John Higgins edged Chinese mainland’s Xiao Guodong 13-12 to storm into the World Snooker Championship quarterfinals. Across three gripping sessions, neither player managed more than a one-frame lead, setting the stage for a thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The momentum swung back and forth from the opening frame. Xiao seized the upper hand at 9-8 after a masterful 76-point break sparked by a difficult red pot. But Higgins, a four-time world champion known as the “Wizard of Wishaw,” showed why he’s one of the sport’s all-time greats, leveling the match within moments.
Holding his nerve, Higgins reclaimed the lead with a precise long yellow that landed him 10-9 ahead. Xiao responded again, tying the contest at 10-10 with an inspired clearance, proving that every frame was anyone’s to win.
In the penultimate session, Higgins broke through. A 41-point run saw him move to the brink of victory at 12-10, only for Xiao to fight back and pull one frame back. With the match balanced at 12-11, the tension peaked as both players traded shots in a deciding battle.
Under immense pressure, Higgins potted the final balls with clinical precision, sealing a 13-12 victory and igniting celebrations among snooker fans around the globe. His reward? A mouthwatering quarterfinal showdown against fellow 1992 class member and three-time world champion Mark Williams.
This high-stakes clash of experience and tenacity underlines why the Crucible remains snooker’s most thrilling stage. With both Higgins and Williams having claimed multiple world titles, the upcoming quarterfinal promises another masterclass in strategic break-building and mental resilience.
As the World Snooker Championship heats up, players have shown that patience, precision, and perseverance can turn the tide frame by frame. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer drawn in by the drama, this tournament is a masterclass in focus and skill. Stay tuned as these legends of the green baize battle for a spot in snooker’s prestigious semifinals.
Reference(s):
Higgins edges China's Xiao in 25 frames at World Snooker Championship
cgtn.com
