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John Higgins Reaches Masters Semi-Finals After Thrilling Comeback Against Zhao Xintong

Published: 2026/01/15 19:34:51

A Remarkable Victory for the Wizard of Wishaw

John Higgins⁤ secured his place in the semi-finals of the⁤ Masters with a dramatic 6-5 victory over defending champion Zhao Xintong at Alexandra Palace on January 15, 2026. The match,a captivating display‍ of skill and resilience,saw Higgins fight back from 5-3 down to clinch the win on the final black. This victory marks a record-extending 32nd consecutive appearance in the Masters for the ⁢50-year-old Scot.

The Match Unfolds: A See-Saw Battle

The early frames of the match were characterized by high-quality snooker, with both players trading significant breaks. Zhao Xintong compiled breaks of 89 and 74, demonstrating his attacking prowess. Higgins ⁤responded with a superb 114 and a run of 64, showcasing his tactical ‍brilliance and composure under pressure.

Zhao⁤ initially gained the upper hand, capitalizing on errors from Higgins‍ to establish a 5-3 lead. A crucial in-off from Higgins in the seventh⁤ frame and a missed black in ⁢the eighth appeared to put ⁢the match beyond⁢ the reach of the two-time ‍Masters champion.