NANJING — John Higgins produced a commanding performance to defeat fellow Scot Stephen Maguire 9-2 on Friday, booking his place in the final of the International Championship where he will face China's Wu Yize.
The four-time world champion was in imperious form throughout their semi-final encounter, compiling a series of high-quality breaks to dominate the match from the outset. Higgins will now compete for his first ranking title since the 2021 Players Championship, while the 20-year-old Wu stands on the brink of a career-defining victory in front of his home crowd.
The victory marks a significant return to form for the 48-year-old Higgins, who has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. "I felt good out there," Higgins stated after the match. "I scored heavily when I got my chances, and that's what you have to do against a player of Stephen's quality."
Dominant Higgins Seizes Early Initiative
From the first frame, Higgins demonstrated his intent, establishing a control over the match that Maguire was never able to disrupt. The session was characterized by Higgins' trademark tactical astuteness and prolific break-building, leaving his opponent rooted to his seat for long periods. The one-sided nature of the contest was a surprise to many, given the pedigree and history between the two seasoned competitors.
Higgins wrapped up the first session with a commanding 7-1 lead, a margin that all but secured his passage to the final. The key to his dominance was his success in the extended rallies and his ability to win the crucial safety exchanges, repeatedly forcing errors from Maguire and capitalizing with clinical clearances.
Maguire, a former UK Championship winner, looked uncharacteristically out of sorts. He managed a highest break of just 68 in the first session, a stark contrast to the fluid scoring of his opponent. The pressure applied by Higgins was unrelenting, and Maguire had no answer on this occasion.
Wu Yize's Historic Run to the Final
In the other semi-final, China's Wu Yize continued his sensational run at the Tianju Cultural & Sports Center, edging a tense and dramatic match against England's Tom Ford 9-7. The young Chinese star held his nerve in a high-pressure decider to send the local fans into raptures and secure the biggest final of his career.
Wu's path to the final has been a showcase of his burgeoning talent and mental fortitude. His run included notable victories over established names, demonstrating a level of consistency that has often eluded him. His performance signals the arrival of a new serious contender from China's ever-growing pool of snooker talent.
An emotional Wu reflected on his achievement: "To reach my first ranking final in China, in front of my home fans, is a dream come true. The support has been incredible and it gave me so much strength in the deciding frames against Tom."
Wu's key strengths throughout the tournament have been his aggressive potting and fearless attitude. His break-building, particularly his fluency when among the balls, has drawn comparisons to his compatriot and snooker icon Ding Junhui.
Wu's Path to the Final
The young Chinese player's journey through the draw has been impressive, defeating a string of higher-ranked opponents:
- Round 1: 6-4 victory over Martin O'Donnell
- Round 2: 6-3 victory over Hossein Vafaei
- Round 3: 6-4 victory over Jack Lisowski
- Quarter-Final: 6-2 victory over Jordan Brown
- Semi-Final: 9-7 victory over Tom Ford
A Tale of Experience Versus Youth
Sunday's final presents a fascinating contrast in styles and careers. On one side stands John Higgins, the wily veteran with 31 ranking titles to his name, a legend of the sport seeking to roll back the years. On the other is Wu Yize, the promising 20-year-old aiming for a breakthrough victory that would catapult him into the sport's upper echelon and make him only the second Chinese player to win the International Championship after Ding Junhui.
Higgins acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "Wu is a fantastic talent. I've seen him play, he's fearless and he scores heavily. It's going to be a very tough final, especially with the crowd behind him. I'll need to be at my very best."
The head-to-head record favors Higgins, who has won both of their previous professional meetings. However, neither of those matches carried the weight of a ranking final, and the dynamic of playing in China against a local hero adds a completely new dimension to the contest.
For Higgins, a victory would reinforce his enduring class and add another prestigious title to his incredible collection. For Wu, it would represent a life-changing moment, securing a two-year tour card, a place in the Champion of Champions event, and the adulation of a nation.
What to Expect in the Final
The final, played over two sessions in a best-of-19-frames format, will likely be decided by a few key factors. Higgins' vast experience in major finals gives him a significant psychological edge. He knows how to manage the occasion, control the tempo of a match, and handle the pressure of the final session.
Conversely, Wu's youthful exuberance and potent attacking game could prove to be a potent weapon if he can start quickly and harness the energy of the home crowd. The key for Wu will be to avoid being drawn into a protracted tactical battle with one of the greatest safety players the game has ever seen.
Maguire, despite his heavy defeat, tipped his compatriot for the title but warned of the dangers posed by the young Chinese star: "John was unplayable today. If he plays like that in the final, he'll win. But Wu is a great talent, and in China, you just never know."
A Pivotal Moment for Chinese Snooker
Wu Yize's run to the final is another landmark moment for snooker in China, underscoring the country's deepening talent pool beyond its established star, Ding Junhui. The success of players like Wu, Si Jiahui, and Zhang Anda is fueling a new wave of interest in the sport, ensuring a bright future for the game in the region.
The World Snooker Tour has heavily invested in the Chinese market, and a home victory at one of its most prestigious events would provide an enormous boost to the sport's popularity. The atmosphere inside the arena is expected to be electric, creating a cauldron of noise and passion that will test the nerve of both finalists.
As the snooker world turns its attention to Nanjing, the stage is set for a classic final. It is a clash of generations, a battle of styles, and a test of nerve. John Higgins seeks to add another chapter to his legendary career, while Wu Yize aims to announce his arrival on the world stage in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
