LONDON — In a heart-stopping conclusion that will be replayed for years to come, John Higgins summoned the spirit of his prime to claw his way into the semi-finals of the 2025 Masters, defeating defending champion Zhao Xintong on the final black in a final-frame decider at Alexandra Palace.
The 6-5 victory was a masterclass in resilience from the four-time world champion, who at 49 years old found himself 5-3 down and staring at an early exit. What followed was a breathtaking display of tactical grit and nerveless finishing, setting up a blockbuster last-four clash with the in-form Judd Trump on Saturday.
A Rollercoaster of Momentum Swings
The match began as a high-quality affair, with both players showcasing their distinctive styles. Zhao, the 2022 world champion known for his fluid, attacking prowess, started strongly. He compiled breaks of 87 and 119 to take a 2-1 lead, his long potting and break-building fluency a stark reminder of his talent.
Higgins, however, demonstrated why he remains one of the sport's greatest competitors. He responded with a superb 134 clearance—the highest break of the match—to level at 2-2 at the mid-session interval. The pattern continued after the break, with the pair trading frames. Higgins edged ahead at 3-2, but Zhao reeled off three consecutive frames to stand one away from victory at 5-3.
The turning point came in the ninth frame. With Zhao needing just the colours to seal the match, a missed brown on 59 let Higgins back to the table. The Scot, with the weight of the match on his shoulders, cleared with 35 to steal the frame on the black, reducing his deficit to 5-4. The roar from the Ally Pally crowd was deafening, a clear signal that the momentum had irrevocably shifted.
The Crucible of a Final-Frame Decider
Buoyed by his great escape, Higgins dominated the tenth frame with a break of 70 to force a deciding frame. The tension in the arena was palpable. Both players had chances in the decider, with safety exchanges becoming increasingly fraught. Higgins later admitted, "I was just trying to stay in the moment. At 5-3 down, you’re just hoping for one chance. Getting it to 5-5, I felt the belief flood back."
The climax was pure theatre. Zhao, first in, broke down on 24. Higgins responded with a painstaking 53, but left Zhao a chance to counter. The Chinese star fought valiantly, clawing his way back into the frame until only the final six colours remained on the table. With the scores tied, a tactical battle on the blue, pink, and black ensued.
After a series of safety shots, Zhao left a long, difficult pink across the length of the table. Higgins, with ice in his veins, stepped up and drilled it into the corner pocket. The cue ball ran perfectly for the black, which he potted with authority to secure a famous 6-5 win, punching the air in a rare show of raw emotion.
Higgins Reflects on a Vintage Performance
In his post-match interview, a visibly emotional Higgins paid tribute to his opponent and reflected on his own determination. "To beat the defending champion and a player of Zhao’s quality in that manner, it’s one of my best wins here," he said. "I had to dig deeper than I have in a long time. At my age, you don’t know how many of these nights you have left, so you have to cherish them."
The victory was a testament to Higgins' legendary tactical brain and fighting spirit. While Zhao’s break-building was sublime at times, Higgins’ key strengths ultimately decided the match:
- Experience under pressure: Navigating the final frames with a calmness that belied the high stakes.
- Tactical mastery: His safety play in the decider, particularly on the colours, was world-class.
- Clutch finishing: Potting the long pink under extreme pressure was the shot of the tournament so far.
Semi-Final Showdown: Higgins vs. Trump
The win sets up a dream semi-final against Judd Trump, who earlier in the day dispatched Mark Selby with a commanding 6-2 victory. Trump has been in scintillating form this season and will start as the favourite, but Higgins has a formidable record against the 2019 Masters champion.
Their rivalry is one of the modern era's most compelling. Higgins leads their head-to-head meetings, but Trump’s explosive scoring power presents a unique challenge. The match promises a fascinating contrast in styles:
- Trump’s Attack: Renowned for his heavy scoring, audacious long potting, and ability to win frames in one visit.
- Higgins’ Strategy: The ultimate match-player, using tactical nuance, safety excellence, and relentless consistency to grind down opponents.
Trump, aware of the challenge, acknowledged Higgins’ resurgence. "John showed tonight why he’s one of the all-time greats. To come back like that takes something special. It’s always a brutal game against him; you know you’re in for a battle from start to finish," he said after his quarter-final win.
A Statement Victory for the Veteran
This victory is more than just a progression to the semi-finals for John Higgins. In a season where questions about his ability to compete for the very biggest titles have surfaced, this was a resounding answer. Defeating the defending champion, a player 22 years his junior, in such dramatic fashion is a statement to the rest of the tour.
It reinforces his enduring class and hunger. While the younger generation, led by players like Zhao and Trump, continues to push the boundaries of the sport, Higgins proved that experience, heart, and sheer will to win remain priceless commodities. His performance was a reminder that in the cauldron of a major quarter-final, pedigree often shines brightest.
Conclusion: The Wizard’s Magic Endures
John Higgins’ epic triumph over Zhao Xintong was a snapshot of everything that makes snooker great: sublime skill, dramatic momentum shifts, and nerve-shredding tension resolved by the finest of margins. By potting that final black, he didn't just win a match; he authored another iconic chapter in his storied Masters career.
As he prepares to face Judd Trump, the snooker world is gifted a semi-final of the highest pedigree. For Higgins, the "Wizard of Wishaw," the quest for a third Masters title is very much alive. Based on the vintage fightback he produced on Friday night, writing him off would be a grave mistake. The magic, it seems, is still very much there.
