SHEFFIELD — The Crucible Theatre shook with tension yesterday, April 29, as Mark Williams clawed his way past John Higgins in a snooker showdown that’ll be etched in the sport’s history. The Welshman, 50, edged out his Scottish rival, 49, in a 13-12 thriller that hinged on a single black ball in the deciding frame. It was the kind of match that leaves fans hoarse and players spent, a testament to why the World Snooker Championship remains a brutal test of skill and nerve.
Williams, a three-time world champion, looked steady early, building a 10-7 lead with precise pots and a knack for safety play that frustrated Higgins. But the Scot, no stranger to the Crucible’s pressure cooker, roared back. Higgins, also a three-time champ, leveled the score at 12-12 with a string of gritty breaks, including a 65 in the 23rd frame. The crowd, packed into the Sheffield venue, could barely breathe as the final frame unfolded.
It came down to the colors. Higgins, one ball away from victory, misjudged a blue. The miss left the door ajar, and Williams, cool as a winter morning, stepped through. He potted the blue, pink, and black in a nerveless sequence to seal the win. The Welshman’s fist pump was understated, but his eyes told the story—relief, triumph, and a touch of disbelief.
This was no ordinary quarter-final. Both men, legends of the game, have been trading blows since the 1990s. Their rivalry, built on mutual respect, added weight to every shot. Williams now advances to his eighth Crucible semi-final, facing either Judd Trump or David Gilbert. Higgins, meanwhile, heads home, his quest for a fourth world title delayed but not diminished.
The match lasted over seven hours across two days. Williams made three century breaks, Higgins two. The final frame saw 28 shots played. The World Snooker Championship continues through May 5, with the winner claiming £500,000.