LONDON — In a stunning display of resilience and tactical mastery, John Higgins produced one of the great comebacks of his storied career to defeat world number one Judd Trump 6-5 and book a place in the final of the 2025 Masters at Alexandra Palace.
The 49-year-old Scot, a four-time world champion, looked down and out as Trump raced into a 3-0 lead with a blistering display of break-building. Even after Higgins clawed his way back to 3-3, Trump reasserted his dominance to move one frame from victory at 5-3. Yet, from the brink, Higgins summoned the spirit of his prime, winning three consecutive frames in a nerve-shredding decider to reach his first Masters final since 2021.
A Rocky Start and Trump's Dominance
The semi-final began as many predicted, with Judd Trump in imperious form. The world champion and tournament favourite seemed determined to make quick work of the veteran, compiling breaks of 72 and 127 to seize immediate control. Higgins, struggling to find any rhythm or safety, could only watch as Trump extended his lead to 3-0. The match appeared to be following a familiar script of the new generation overpowering the old guard.
However, the mid-session interval proved pivotal. Higgins emerged a transformed player, digging deep to grind out the fourth frame before finding his scoring touch with a superb 134 clearance—the highest break of the tournament so far—to make it 3-2. A tense sixth frame also went the way of the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’, levelling the match and sending a jolt of belief through the Ally Pally crowd. "That's when I started to believe I could win," Higgins would later say.
The Pendulum Swings in a Tense Finale
Just as momentum seemed to have swung decisively, Trump responded like the champion he is. He stopped the rot with a composed 88 to regain the lead at 4-3, and then capitalised on a rare Higgins error in the next to move within a single frame of the final at 5-3. The finish line was in sight. Yet, with his back firmly against the wall, Higgins’s legendary match-play instincts kicked in. He won a scrappy ninth frame and then, under immense pressure, crafted a magnificent 65 break in the tenth to force a deciding frame, sending the contest into overtime.
The final frame was a masterclass in tactical snooker and nerve from Higgins. After both players had chances, it was the Scot who engineered the decisive opportunity. A break of 53 was enough to put Trump in need of snookers. When the final ball dropped, Higgins roared in a rare show of raw emotion, punching the air in celebration of a victory that few outside his camp saw coming. "To beat Judd from 5-3 down, the way he's playing, it's one of my best wins ever," a breathless Higgins admitted in his post-match interview.
Higgins's Path to the Final
This remarkable victory caps a resurgent week for Higgins, who has rolled back the years at the Palace. His route to the final has been a testament to his enduring class and fighting spirit:
- First Round: Defeated Mark Selby 6-3 in a battle of multiple world champions.
- Quarter-Final: Overcame a spirited challenge from Zhang Anda, winning 6-4.
- Semi-Final: Fought back from 3-0 and 5-3 down to stun Judd Trump 6-5.
This run is particularly poignant as it marks Higgins's first Masters final in four years, a period during which he has openly contemplated retirement. "You have doubts when you get to my age," he confessed. "But weeks like this, nights like this, they make all the hard work and the sacrifice worth it."
Wilson Awaits in Sunday's Showdown
Higgins will face 2020 champion Kyren Wilson in Sunday's final, after the ‘Warrior’ produced a commanding performance to defeat Mark Allen 6-2 in the other semi-final. Wilson, seeking his second Masters title, has been in formidable touch all tournament, displaying a potent mix of heavy scoring and tactical acumen. He will start as the slight favourite, but will be acutely aware of the psychological boost and momentum Higgins carries from his epic win over Trump.
The final promises a fascinating contrast in styles and narratives: the seasoned, four-time champion seeking a fairytale third Masters crown two decades after his first, against the determined, modern contender eager to solidify his place among the sport's elite. Wilson was full of respect for his final opponent: "John is one of the all-time greats. What he did tonight was incredible. I'll have to be at my very best."
A Testament to Longevity and Heart
John Higgins's victory over Judd Trump was more than just a semi-final win; it was a statement. In an era dominated by powerful, attacking players like Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan, Higgins proved that guile, experience, and unbreakable competitive spirit remain potent weapons. At 49, he becomes the oldest Masters finalist since Ray Reardon in 1982. His performance was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest match players the sport has ever seen, capable of winning even when not at his fluent best.
As the snooker world digests this thrilling upset, the stage is set for a classic final. Whether Higgins can summon one more monumental effort for an eighth Triple Crown title, or whether Wilson can claim the crown and halt the veteran's charge, will be revealed on Sunday. One thing is certain: after a semi-final of such drama and quality, the 2025 Masters final is an unmissable occasion. "I'm just going to go out there and enjoy it," said Higgins. "To be in another Masters final at this stage of my career is a dream."
