Snooker Thrills: Higgins Edges Xiao in Marathon Match

John Higgins battles past Xiao Guodong 13-12 in a thrilling match at the Crucible Theatre. Get the latest updates from the World Snooker Championship.

The match resumed with the score tied at 8-8, and both players traded lengthy frames. As it stood, Higgins was poised to claim victory but missed his chance, allowing Xiao to mount a comeback and force a deciding frame.

Higgins, drawing on his experience as a four-time Crucible winner, rebounded from the setback with a decisive 75 break. This crucial score sealed his win after an exhausting 10-hour battle, showcasing his skill and mental fortitude against Xiao.

John Higgins edged out Xiao Guodong 13-12 in a thrilling match at the Crucible Theatre, securing his spot in the World Snooker Championship quarter-finals. The match was a nail-biter, with Higgins taking the lead before Xiao fought back, and the players were taken off the table with Higgins 12-11 ahead before completing the win.

Higgins will now face Mark Williams in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, other top players Ronnie O'Sullivan and Luca Brecel also impressed with their performances, setting up strong quarter-final matchups. The competition is heating up at the Crucible as players battle for the championship title.

“What a weird feeling that was, getting home when you know you're coming back for only one or two frames, it's just a surreal feeling,” Higgins told the BBC afterwards.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the game, I really did, because it's just an unbelievable venue to play in.

“You're playing good some minutes, the pressure is on you, the crowd are all getting involved. You can't replicate playing here.”

Ronnie O'Sullivan dominated the first session against Pang Junxu, leading 6-2. He capitalized on Pang's errors, winning the first four frames before Pang responded with a 119 break. O'Sullivan maintained a four-frame lead heading into the session's conclusion.

Luca Brecel delivered an impressive performance, surging to a 7-1 lead over Ding Junhui. After losing the opening frame, Brecel won seven consecutive frames, earning a standing ovation as he left the arena. His commanding display sets him up strongly for the remainder of the match.

WHAT AN EPIC!

It took four sessions, it took 10 hours…but John Higgins found a way…he beats Xiao Guodong 13-12 in a nerve-shredding thriller

And it is Mark Williams next 👀#HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/Lc0kbniozq

— WST (@WeAreWST) April 26, 2025

In other matches, Ben Woollaston trails Si Jiahui 5-3, while Zhao Xintong holds a 10-6 lead over Lei Peifan in an all-Chinese matchup. The competition remains fierce as players battle for advancement in the tournament.

John Higgins' next opponent, Mark Williams, secured his quarter-final spot with a 13-10 win over Hossein Vafaei. Williams built on his 9-7 lead, taking two of the first three frames in their second session to maintain momentum.

Despite Vafaei narrowing the gap to 11-10, Williams regained control and sealed the victory with a decisive 115 break. This strong performance positions Williams for a potential deep run in the tournament as he awaits his quarter-final matchup with Higgins.

John Higgins and Mark Williams will face each other in the World Championship quarter-final.

Another 'Class of 92' clash on the cards 🤩#WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/CJPfJdhv69

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) April 26, 2025