LLANDUDNO, Wales — John Higgins remains on course for a sixth Welsh Open title after brushing aside Zhou Yuelong in the quarter-finals with a commanding 5-1 victory at Venue Cymru. The ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ produced a vintage display, showcasing his trademark tactical mastery and break-building prowess to dismantle his Chinese opponent and set up a semi-final clash with Gary Wilson.
The 48-year-old Scot, a winner of this event in 2000, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2018, is now just two wins away from equalling Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record of seven ranking titles in Wales. His performance against Zhou was a stark reminder of his enduring class, as he compiled breaks of 72, 66, 58, and 54 to dominate the match. After the win, a focused Higgins reflected on his form, stating, "I felt good out there. I scored heavily when I got in and my safety was strong. That’s the blueprint you need in these tournaments, especially at the business end."
A Masterclass in Control
From the opening frame, Higgins imposed his will on the contest. While Zhou, a talented 26-year-old ranked inside the world's top 20, showed flashes of brilliance, he was consistently suffocated by Higgins’s strategic genius. The key to the match was Higgins's ability to control the table, turning scrappy frames into winning opportunities and capitalizing mercilessly on any minor error from his opponent. This tactical stranglehold prevented Zhou from finding any sustained rhythm.
Higgins’s longevity at the top level of snooker is a testament to his adaptability and work ethic. In an era dominated by explosive, heavy scorers, he has refined his game to blend relentless safety play with clinical finishing. His quarter-final display was a perfect example of this evolution. He noted afterwards, "You have to keep adapting. The standard is so high now, you can’t afford to stand still. I’m just trying to enjoy my snooker and compete as hard as I can."
The Path to the Semi-Finals
Higgins’s journey to the last four in Llandudno has been a demonstration of steady progression. He navigated the early rounds with professional efficiency, building momentum with each match. His campaign so far includes victories over:
- Jamie Clarke (4-2): A solid opening win against a fellow Welsh competitor.
- Xing Zihao (4-1): A comfortable display against a promising Chinese youngster.
- Matthew Selt (4-2): A tougher test against an experienced pro, passed with grit.
Each match has seen Higgins improve a specific aspect of his game, culminating in the near-complete performance against Zhou. His break-building statistics for the tournament are now among the highest, a clear indicator that his cue action is fluid and his confidence is growing.
The Semi-Final Hurdle: Gary Wilson
Standing between Higgins and a ninth Welsh Open final is 2022 Scottish Open champion Gary Wilson. ‘The Tyneside Terror’ secured his semi-final spot with a dramatic 5-4 win over Martin O’Donnell, proving his own resilience under pressure. Wilson is known for his fearless long potting and heavy scoring, setting the stage for a fascinating clash of styles. Higgins acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "Gary is a fantastic player, a great scorer, and he’s been in these situations before. It’s going to be a really tough game. I’ll need to be at my very best."
A Look at the Other Semi-Final
The bottom half of the draw produced its own surprise, with world number 44 Anthony McGill overcoming former champion Stuart Bingham 5-3. McGill will face the in-form Elliot Slessor, who continued his remarkable run by defeating world champion Luca Brecel. This ensures there will be a first-time Welsh Open finalist from that side of the draw, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend. For Higgins, however, the focus remains solely on his own table and the historic opportunity that beckons.
Chasing History in Wales
A sixth Welsh Open title would be a monumental achievement for Higgins, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the green baize. It would place him just one behind O’Sullivan’s record and extend his own record for most ranking titles won in Wales. At 48, he would also become the oldest winner of the event since Doug Mountjoy in 1989. The motivation is clearly still burning brightly. "You play for these moments," Higgins admitted. "To be in another semi-final, with a chance to win a trophy I love, that’s what gets you up in the morning to practice."
The Welsh Open has always been a happy hunting ground for Higgins. His affinity for the event and the Welsh crowds is palpable, and they, in turn, have always appreciated his skill and sportsmanship. The atmosphere at Venue Cymru for his semi-final is expected to be electric, with fans recognizing they could be witnessing a legend adding another chapter to his storied career.
Conclusion: The Wizard's Spell Continues
John Higgins’s march through the 2024 Welsh Open has been a masterclass in experience and precision. By dismantling a top-quality opponent like Zhou Yuelong with such authority, he has sent a clear message to the rest of the field. While Gary Wilson presents a formidable and contrasting challenge in the semi-finals, Higgins appears to be peaking at the perfect time. His game is built on the rock-solid foundations of tactical acumen and break-building consistency—a combination that is notoriously difficult to overcome in the crucible of a ranking event semi-final. The dream of a record-equalling seventh Welsh Open title for Ronnie O’Sullivan is still alive, but John Higgins, with his own history in this tournament, is determined to write his own script and move one step closer to a magical sixth crown.
