'Heart-stopping stuff' - Watch the drama of 'Crucible classic' as Mark Williams beats John Higgins in final-frame decider to reach semi-finals
Published 30/04/2025 at 14:36 GMT+1
There was drama galore as Mark Williams beat John Higgins in a final-frame decider to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 World Snooker Championship. Higgins had led 52-25 in the last frame after fighting back from 12-8 down in the match, but missed a blue to give Williams the chance to win the contest. Williams prevailed to set up a meeting with either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel.
'Incredible, amazing, phenomenal!' - Williams beats Higgins in dramatic decider to move into semis
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Incredible, amazing, phenomenal."
Just some of the words used to describe a "Crucible classic" between Mark Williams and John Higgins that ended in dramatic fashion.
The ‘Class of 92’ legends found themselves locked in a final-frame decider in their World Snooker Championship quarter-final after Higgins had fought back from four frames behind to make it 12-12.
Higgins moved 52-25 ahead in the decider but then handed Williams a chance when he hit the jaw of the middle pocket as he tried to play safe.
"What a mistake," said Joe Johnson on TNT Sports commentary.
"It’s about the first thing Higgins has done wrong since he trailed 12-8," added Philip Studd.
As Higgins looked dejected in his chair, Williams set about making him pay.
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'Saw what he thought of that!' - O'Sullivan punches table in 'frustration' after pot
Video credit: TNT Sports
But with a red against the side cushion, Williams had to play safe with a 56-52 lead.
As the frame time ticked past 30 minutes, Williams got back to the table and took on a long red, which he missed to the corner pocket.
That gave Higgins an opening and it looked like he would complete his remarkable comeback as he potted the last red and then made his way through the colours.
But Higgins couldn’t get it done as he missed a match-winning blue along the cushion.
"My word, what drama," said Studd.
Williams took his time before cutting in the blue and then wrapping up a dramatic victory with the pink and black as the Crucible crowd stood and applauded to show their appreciation.
"Incredible, amazing, phenomenal," said Studd.
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'Well spotted!' - Williams penalised for touching the blue with his arm
Video credit: TNT Sports
"These 'Class of 92' titans have delivered another Crucible classic which went to the wire. Williams can’t believe he has done it, Higgins can’t believe he is out.
"It’s Williams into his eighth world semi-final.
"That was heart-stopping stuff, the Crucible delivers yet again. Wow."
Williams will play either world No. 1 Judd Trump or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals.
Williams has won the World Championship three times, with his most recent victory coming in 2018.
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