John Higgins achieved a significant victory in his quest to reclaim a spot among the world’s top 16 by defeating Shaun Murphy 4-2 in the second round of the Unibet British Open. This win marked one of Higgins' standout performances in recent years, as he aims to rebound from a setback that saw him drop out of the top 16 for the first time in 29 years, a remarkable record. His fall in ranking was due to being surpassed by the English Open champion, Neil Robertson. Determined not to slip further, the seasoned player is focused on ensuring he qualifies for the Masters in January.
The 49-year-old Scottish player took an impressive 3-0 lead in the match, showcasing his skill with breaks of 74 and 56. Although Murphy fought back by winning two consecutive frames with scores of 57 and 84, Higgins sealed his victory in the sixth frame with a solid break of 82. After the match, Higgins expressed his satisfaction, noting that beating a top competitor like Murphy was crucial for his confidence. He also remarked on how his new cue has revitalized his game, providing him with a fresh perspective on his performance.
Higgins shared his respect for the players in the top 16, acknowledging their success in winning tournaments while reflecting on his own need to improve. He emphasized his motivation to return to this elite group in time for the Masters, a tournament he has competed in for three decades. This long-standing streak is something he values greatly, and he is determined to maintain it despite recent challenges.
In other matches, World Champion Kyren Wilson defeated Ben Woollaston 4-1, recording impressive breaks of 114 and 92. Wilson noted a mix of highs and lows in his performance, as he balances family life with his snooker practice. Despite feeling he hasn't prepared as thoroughly as in the past, he remains optimistic about his ability to contend for more titles. Additionally, Zhang Anda triumphed over Hossein Vafaei with a score of 4-1, while Oliver Lines narrowly edged out Ka Wai Cheung 4-3 with a crucial score of 23 in the deciding frame. Ben Mertens also shone with an 85 in his 4-1 victory against Hammad Miah.
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