John Higgins delivered a vintage display to reach the final of the Tour Championship, compiling three outstanding centuries – including a tournament-best 144 – in a 10-7 victory over Barry Hawkins.
The four-time world champion resumed at 4-4 following a tightly contested first session at Manchester Central. Hawkins had briefly taken the high-break prize with a superb 140, but Higgins reclaimed it in the evening with a brilliant 144 in frame 12, underlining his dominance as he won six of the final nine frames.
The Scotsman will now face either Mark Selby or Ding Junhui in Sunday’s best-of-19 final, marking his 58th appearance in a ranking final.
“It was great. I felt like I got the table just right tonight and played really well,” Higgins said. “Barry was in control earlier, but I’m absolutely delighted to be in another final. I’ve not been good enough the past few years, so I’ve got to enjoy it when I peak.”
Higgins, who ended a four-year ranking title drought by winning the World Open last month, was in fine form, producing breaks of 66, 73, 130, and a finishing 107 to seal the win. Hawkins, who had beaten Shaun Murphy and world No. 1 Judd Trump en route to the semis, pushed hard with contributions of 125 and 99 in a high-quality contest.
“John looked in top form and played fantastic,” Hawkins said. “He’s an all-time great and almost unstoppable when he hits that level.”
One of the standout moments came in the final when Higgins pulled off what some have dubbed the “shot of the century” – potting two reds with one shot to light up the arena.
FINAL SCORE: Higgins 10–7 Hawkins
