Four-time world champion John Higgins fought back tears and overwhelming emotions to defeat Joe O’Connor 10–7 at the Crucible, advancing to the last 16 of the World Snooker Championship.
The 49-year-old trailed 5–4 after a scrappy morning session but returned stronger in the evening, eventually winning the final three frames to seal victory. Higgins’ turning point came with a century break in frame 12 to move 6–5 ahead. Despite O’Connor leveling at 7–7, the veteran Scot found another gear to close out the match.
“That was the most emotional I’ve ever been,” Higgins told BBC Sport, visibly emotional. “I left my wife in tears. My father-in-law had a heart attack last week, and last night I was thinking about sitting here with my dad 25 years ago. I was drained. But I’m proud I’m still competing at a high level at this age.”
O’Connor came close to making Crucible history, missing out on a potential 147 in the morning session after failing to pot the 13th red.
Elsewhere, Mark Allen booked his place in the last 16 with a 10–6 win over Fan Zhengyi, shaking off a poor start to dominate the second session. Allen, who trailed 3–0 early on, roared back with four straight frames, including breaks of 88 and 102.
The Northern Irishman, now ranked eighth in the world, hopes to emulate recent champions Kyren Wilson and Luca Brecel, who both lifted the world title after inconsistent seasons.
“Sometimes the form book doesn’t matter here,” Allen said. “Kyren had a poor season and won it, Luca did the same. Why not me?”
Allen will next face Chris Wakelin, who edged out 2010 champion Neil Robertson in a dramatic late-night finish. With Wilson and last year’s finalist Jak Jones also out, Allen remains the only seed left in the top quarter of the draw.
Meanwhile, Crucible debutant Zak Surety ended his first session against Ding Junhui with a century, recovering from 4–0 down to trail just 6–3. His 104 break capped a spirited fightback, giving him hope ahead of Tuesday’s conclusion.
