John Higgins completes stunning comeback against Ronnie O’Sullivan
John Higgins has pulled off one of the most extraordinary comebacks in World Snooker Championship history, defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 13-12 in an absolute thriller at the Crucible, reports BritPanorama.
The four-time world champion appeared on the brink of elimination when he trailed 8-3 and then 9-4 against the seven-time winner, who was pursuing a record eighth title in the modern era. Despite these setbacks, the Wizard of Wishaw refused to concede defeat.
What followed was nothing short of sensational, as the 50-year-old Scot fought back frame by frame, eventually securing his place in the quarter-finals in Sheffield. O’Sullivan, showcasing his potent skills initially, had taken a commanding 6-2 lead by the end of Saturday’s first session, clinching breaks of 86, 82, 137, and 95.
Sunday saw O’Sullivan extend his dominance, moving ahead to 8-3 and then 9-4. However, as the match progressed, Higgins seized momentum, taking the last three frames of the evening session amid escalating tension and visible frustration from O’Sullivan, who reacted by striking the table during the 16th frame.
The deficit narrowed to 9-7, marking a significant shift in the match. Monday afternoon delivered a masterclass from both players, captivating the audience with breathtaking quality. Stephen Hendry, commenting for the BBC, described it as the finest session he had ever witnessed.
Higgins surged ahead with breaks of 59, 118, and 128, taking the lead for the first time at 10-9. O’Sullivan, determined not to crumble, responded by tying the score at 11-10 before the two exchanged blows, each vying for victory as the match reached a nerve-shredding decider. In the final frame, both players missed pivotal chances, but Higgins steadied himself to compile a break of 49, sealing an unforgettable victory as spectators rose to their feet.
“I came to the party, at last!” Higgins told the BBC after his remarkable triumph. He praised O’Sullivan, stating, “I thought Ronnie played, in and about the balls, it was the best I’ve ever seen him hit the balls, he was cueing it so well.” Reflecting on the thrilling atmosphere, he added, “That was an incredible atmosphere, especially when we walked out there alongside Mark [Williams] two nights ago.”
Higgins, who lifted the trophy in 1998, 2007, 2009, and 2011, will now face either 2010 champion Neil Robertson or world number 13 Chris Wakelin in the last eight.
