John Higgins fights back to defeat Judd Trump in Masters semi-final
John Higgins delivered a remarkable comeback at Alexandra Palace, overcoming world number one Judd Trump 6-5 to secure his place in the Masters final, reports BritPanorama.
The 50-year-old Scot faced an uphill battle after falling 3-0 behind early in the match, plagued by a series of uncharacteristic mistakes in the initial frames. Trump’s strong start suggested a swift victory may be on the cards.
Trump managed to extend his lead to 5-3, but Higgins showed resilience and refused to concede defeat. This victory ended a challenging streak of seven consecutive losses against Trump, dating back to their meeting in the 2019 World Championship final.
Higgins’s first Masters final appearance since 2021 was highlighted by a turning point in the fourth frame, where Trump’s missed opportunities allowed Higgins to capitalize and regain momentum. With Trump failing to convert a clear chance to go 4-0 up, Higgins seized the moment, displaying renewed determination.
The fifth frame marked Higgins at his peak, featuring a century break of 104 — the highest of the match — showcasing his exceptional skill. However, just when it seemed Trump was in control, a shocking lapse saw him miss a straightforward brown, allowing Higgins to reduce the deficit to 5-4 with a composed break of 70.
Under pressure, Higgins maintained his steadiness in the tenth frame, crafting a break of 57 to level the score at five frames apiece. This sequence of three consecutive frames shifted the dynamics dramatically, turning what appeared to be a certain victory for Trump into a precarious situation.
With this victory, Higgins became the oldest player to reach the final of a Triple Crown event. As he continues to defy age expectations, his upcoming opponent will be determined from the second semi-final between Kyren Wilson and Wu Yize later this evening. Higgins’s comeback stands as a testament to his mental fortitude and shot-making prowess, maintaining his place among the elite in snooker.
In a sport where the line between triumph and despair can be razor-thin, Higgins’s resilience reminds us of the fierce competition and unpredictability that defines snooker. A victory such as this one not only reinvigorates his career but also serves as a compelling chapter in the sport’s evolving legacy.
