Higgins mounts a dramatic comeback to reach the Masters final
John Higgins produced a remarkable late surge to deny Judd Trump and advance to the Masters final at Alexandra Palace. After surrendering an early three-frame lead to the Scot, Trump watched as Higgins found form at crucial moments, knitting together three frames in a row to trim the gap and set up a dramatic decider.
Early momentum for Trump turns into a fightback for Higgins
The first part of the semi-final suggested Trump was in control, weaving steady scoring and punishing Higgins’ occasional misses. The English champion stepped out to a 3-0 advantage as he dictated the pace with precision pots and strategic safety play. Higgins, never one to fizzle, steadied himself and began to chip away at the deficit with careful safety and patient break-building.
Higgins finds rhythm to force a deciding frame
Momentum shifted as Higgins found the break he needed, taking back the next three frames to level at 3-3. The resilience showed in his shot-making and composure under pressure, edging him back into contention and setting up an inevitable final-frame shootout. The tension around Alexandra Palace rose as a potential title rematch with a familiar rival loomed.
The deciding frame: nerves, skill, and a winner-takes-all finish
The decisive frame encapsulated the Masters drama. Both players traded frames of high break scoring and tight safety exchanges, before Higgins seized the moment with a sequence of clear-cut pots and a clinical finish. The final ball found the pocket as Higgins sealed a 6-5 victory, a result that underscored the unpredictability of snooker’s most prestigious non-ranking event.
A look ahead: Higgins vs. the Masters final
Higgins will carry the momentum from a late surge into the final, where experience and composure could be pivotal against an in-form opponent. The Scotsman’s ability to stay calm when trailing demonstrated why he remains one of snooker’s most enduring forces. For Trump, the defeat will be painful but will also highlight the fine margins that shape big-match results in elite competition.
Why this match mattered for the Masters and snooker fans
The semi-final clash at Alexandra Palace delivered all the drama fans crave: lead changes, high-stakes safety exchanges, and a deciding frame that tested nerve and technique in equal measure. This result adds another chapter to Higgins’ storied Masters career while reminding supporters why the tournament remains a showcase for precision, patience, and grit.
Key moments and analysis
– Early 3-0 lead for Trump showed his ability to seize control.
– Higgins’ three-frame run demonstrated resilience and strategic turning points.
– A tightly fought decider where clean breaks and tight safety turned the match in Higgins’ favor.
Conclusion
As Higgins secures a place in the Masters final, the snooker world watches to see whether the veteran can convert this late surge into a title challenge. The narrative of triumph from behind continues to enliven Alexandra Palace, reminding fans why the Masters remains a stage where legends shape and redefine their legacies.
