Veteran snooker star John Higgins produced a remarkable escape act at Alexandra Palace, coming from behind and capitalising on an extraordinary slice of luck to defeat world champion Zhao Xintong and secure his place in the Masters semi-finals.
A Dramatic Turn of Fortune
With his tournament hopes hanging by a thread at 5-3 down, John Higgins was the beneficiary of what he later described as a "criminal" piece of good fortune. Attempting a difficult plant shot, the Scot made a complete mess of the attempt. However, in a moment that defied belief, one red ball careered into the opposite corner pocket while the cue ball came to rest perfectly on the black.
This outrageous fluke in the ninth frame allowed Higgins to clear up and level the match at 5-5, completely shifting the momentum. The 50-year-old then held his nerve in a tense decider, clearing the table from the final red to clinch a 6-5 victory and deny the Chinese sensation.
"I Was So Lucky" - Higgins Reacts
Speaking to the BBC after the match, a relieved but delighted Higgins was frank about his good fortune. "I was so lucky," he admitted. "It was criminal … It’s tough out there. I’m delighted and so proud I’m still doing it." The win keeps alive his quest for a third Masters title, a trophy he last lifted in 2006.
The match also ended a peculiar tournament pattern, being the first contest not to finish 6-2 after all eight first-round matches concluded with that identical scoreline.
What Comes Next at Alexandra Palace
Higgins now awaits the winner of the other last-eight clash between Judd Trump and Mark Allen, who were scheduled to meet later on Thursday evening. The semi-final promises another high-stakes encounter as the seasoned campaigner continues his pursuit of one of snooker's most coveted crowns.
The dramatic conclusion at the iconic London venue proved once again why the Masters remains one of the sport's most unpredictable and thrilling tournaments, where skill, nerve, and sometimes a dash of sheer luck, combine to create unforgettable moments.
