Sheffield, England – John Higgins smiled brightly as he reflected on his hard-fought 13-12 victory over Xiao Guodong in the World Snooker Championship. Speaking on BBC Four, Higgins shared, “It was a weird feeling just coming back for one or two frames. When I missed a black earlier this afternoon, I thought the snooker gods would not forgive me.” He emphasized the joy of competing in an iconic venue, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere, saying, “You play some good minutes, the pressure is on you, and the crowd are all getting involved. You can’t replicate playing here.”
Higgins now turns his attention to his upcoming match against Mark Williams. Recalling their past rivalries, he noted, “It was different maybe 20-odd years ago when we were really big rivals. Now we walk into the practice room and give each other a nod as if to say: ‘How are we still here? How are we still here competing?'” He added, “It’s incredible that we are still going. You throw Ronnie O’Sullivan into the mix as well. Three special players, you have to say that. I don’t care if I’m calling myself that a little bit.”
On his renewed confidence, Higgins expressed, “Winning some of the big events has given me an inner belief I can get over the line. Am I a believer again? Yes.” After battling through three intense sessions, Higgins proved his resilience, especially in the deciding frame where nerves were high.
Lee Walker, a former World Seniors champion, commented during the match, “If Ben Woollaston can get out of this at 4-4, he will be absolutely delighted,” showing the competitive nature of the day. Meanwhile, Si Jiahui also battled through his frames, eventually leading to a tense finish against Woollaston.
Legendary snooker figures such as John Parrott and John Virgo also commented on the high stakes of the match. Parrott said, “Xiao Guodong has played fantastic in this tournament but that was a pretty flawless final frame from John Higgins. It’s the sternest examination you can have – against John Higgins at the Crucible.” Virgo supported this, stating, “Xiao Guodong pushed him all the way but well done John Higgins, who got his act together and produced it when it matters.”
As Higgins progressed to the quarter-finals, he demonstrated skill and strategic play, particularly during tight moments. His final frame was marked by composure, and he made critical plays when it mattered most. With every shot, Higgins continues to affirm his legacy in this prestigious event, leaving fans eager to see how he will perform against Williams.
Across the tournament, earlier match results set the stage for dramatic outcomes. Ronnie O’Sullivan returned with confidence, dominating Ali Carter in his first-round match. The action is expected to intensify as top players face off in the coming rounds. Observers carefully track results, knowing this championship often leads to unexpected twists.
As tensions rise and players push their limits, this year’s World Snooker Championship promises to be unforgettable, with seasoned competitors like Higgins and O’Sullivan at the forefront.
