April 30th 2024.
John Higgins' incredible clearance to defeat Mark Allen in the World Championship will be talked about for years to come. In a nail-biting match that went down to the wire, the Scottish snooker legend showed his skill and composure under immense pressure.
Higgins himself described the moment as one of his best in snooker, as he secured his place in the quarter-finals against Kyren Wilson. The four-time world champion is known for his epic 'dishes' to win frames, but it has been a challenging few years for him, with a string of close defeats. That's what makes this victory even more special for him.
The 48-year-old admitted that his emotions were running high while Allen was at the table, with the added pressure of potentially losing his top 16 spot and the thought of never returning to the Crucible. But he managed to stay positive and focused, even preparing a speech in case he lost. However, he never expected Allen to miss, and he was able to come out on top.
Higgins also shared that he thoroughly enjoyed the occasion of playing at the Crucible again, taking a moment to appreciate the atmosphere and the chance to make more memories. He even admitted to thinking, "I'll miss this place if I never get here again," before ultimately securing the win.
Despite the intense pressure, Higgins showed moments of brilliance, particularly with a doubled red reminiscent of his 2006 Masters final against Ronnie O'Sullivan. And when he sunk the final black, his celebration was a true reflection of the pride and joy he felt in that moment.
The snooker veteran has struggled with belief in big moments in recent years, but this incredible victory could be a turning point for him. He believes that it should do wonders for his confidence, knowing that he can perform under the toughest circumstances.
Meanwhile, Allen had a classy message for the winner, acknowledging that Higgins has the potential to go all the way and win a fifth world title. He also shared that Higgins is one of the few players he considers a friend on the tour, and he will be cheering him on in the rest of the tournament.
In the end, it was an unforgettable moment for Higgins and an incredible display of skill and resilience. As he said, it will be a memory that he will cherish forever, and it serves as a reminder to always believe in oneself even in the toughest of times.
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