John Higgins stated that he was “so proud” after sealing a semi-final spot on the 2026 World Snooker Championship on Wednesday in Sheffield.
The Scot will make an look on the Crucible’s well-known single desk setup for the primary time since 2022 after finishing a 13-10 victory over Neil Robertson within the quarter-finals.
For the second match in succession, Higgins staged a powerful turnaround to oust one of many sport’s greats.
It was previous foe Ronnie O’Sullivan within the final 16, with Higgins overturning a 9-4 deficit to win a basic in a deciding body.
The Scot was then 9-6 down on Robertson however gained seven out of the remaining eight frames to proceed his quest to seize a fifth Crucible crown.
“I’m so proud to beat an unbelievable champion in Neil over three robust periods,” Higgins, who will meet Shaun Murphy within the final 4, instructed the World Snooker Tour.
“What a win for me. I’m loving it, and I can not wait to get out and play Shaun in that one-table theatre tomorrow. I see they’re simply constructing all of it up once more.”
“I believed final 12 months I used to be shut with Mark Williams, and once I clicked on the TV a few instances, I believed that may be particular to be at that one-table setup once more.
“You suppose you won’t get again there. However I’m again, and I can’t wait to stroll out with Shaun tomorrow.”
A few seasons in the past, Higgins was within the midst of a troublesome spell the place he contemplated his future within the sport.
However the Wizard of Wishaw returned to the champion’s circle with victory in final season’s World Open, backing it up quickly after with one other success on the Tour Championship.
He hasn’t fairly been capable of get his palms on extra silverware throughout this time period – shedding thrice in huge finals throughout a constant marketing campaign.
However Higgins credit a brand new psychological method in current instances that has helped him to rediscover the drive and willpower of previous when he’s competing on the inexperienced baize.
“I positively suppose that there was a mentality shift within the final two years. Now I come to occasions and don’t get too down on myself,” Higgins admitted.
“I believe I’m a distinct individual now when coming to occasions. Clearly, you hope to play effectively, however in the event you don’t, you don’t.”
“I’ve obtained a greater mindset, I believe. That has been serving to me with this marketing campaign.”
An encounter with Murphy represents a repeat of the 2009 World Championship closing, which Higgins gained to safe the third of his 4 titles in Sheffield.
The 51 year-old will possible must be at his best possible contemplating the degrees the 2005 champion has produced throughout his victories over Xiao Guodong and reigning champion Zhao Xintong.
“I believe for Shaun, he actually is nice sufficient to win a number of world titles. However you possibly can say the identical factor about Robertson and Trump,” Higgins stated of his upcoming opponent.
“It’s so troublesome to do. He would clearly be part of an unique membership of people that have gained it greater than as soon as.”
“He’ll be making an attempt his finest – he’s taking part in wonderful. I’ve simply obtained to go in and hopefully give him a sport.”
The opposite semi-final on the 2026 World Snooker Championship pits former world primary Mark Allen in opposition to rising star Wu Yize.
Each gamers will probably be bidding to achieve a maiden World Championship closing after orchestrating respective quarter-finals wins over Barry Hawkins and Hossein Vafaei.
Featured photograph credit score: WST
