Higgins Recovers to Beat O'Sullivan in Crucible Epic
John Higgins (left) and Ronnie O'Sullivan have 11 World Championship titles between them.
Four-time World Champion John Higgins delivered an extraordinary comeback after trailing 8-3 and 9-4 to defeat Ronnie O'Sullivan 13-12 in a final-frame thriller at the Crucible Theatre, advancing to the World Championship quarter-finals.
Seven-time champion O'Sullivan was aiming for an eighth title to establish a new outright record in the modern era. During Sunday's second session, he twice held commanding five-frame leads.
However, Higgins rallied to win the last three frames on Sunday and continued his momentum by capturing the first three frames on Monday. This marked only the fifth occasion that O'Sullivan lost six consecutive frames at the Crucible.
In a high-quality match played before an engaged audience, O'Sullivan secured the 20th and 21st frames to regain the lead at 11-10.
In what is arguably the tournament's best match and one of the finest in the 49-year history of the Sheffield theatre, Higgins won two consecutive frames to move within one frame at 12-11. Yet, O'Sullivan responded with a break of 81 to force a deciding frame.
Higgins had the initial opportunity in the final frame but missed a red ball into the middle pocket at 16-0, offering O'Sullivan a lifeline. However, the Englishman managed only eight points and failed to pot a red ball.
The Scot then compiled a break of 49 to secure the match-winning frame. Both players received a standing ovation as the contest concluded.
The two 50-year-olds are part of snooker's renowned 'Class of '92', alongside 51-year-old Mark Williams. Collectively, the trio have amassed 14 world titles.
Higgins, who claimed the World Championship in 1998, 2007, 2009, and 2011, will next face either 2010 champion Neil Robertson or world number 13 Chris Wakelin.
Robertson currently leads 10-6 in that match, which is scheduled to be completed during Monday's evening session starting at 19:00 BST.
