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30th April 2024
03:01pm BST
John Higgins produced one of the greatest pieces of play in snooker history in his sensational last 16 Snooker World Championship win against Mark Allen.
Higgins found himself 62-0 down in the final frame while the score was tied 12-12 at the Crucible but after Allen missed a red on break, the Scot was presented with the chance to get himself back into the game.
He grabbed the opportunity to claim victory by the scruff of its neck and hit a 71 clearance without reply, which included an incredible double and the potting of two reds.
After he put away the final black to beat his opponent, reach the quarter-finals and collect £50,000, Higgins struggled to hide his emotions while his opponent sportingly acknowledged the huge feat.
Just. Wow. 🏴#CazooWorldChampionship | @CazooHelp | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/UVyXpYh3hl
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 29, 2024
When he had returned from his dressing room to speak to the BBC, the 48-year-old admitted that he even began to cry once the moment had sunk in.
"That was crazy wasn’t it?" he started.
"That clearance was probably the best [I’ve had] when I think about everything I’ve been through the last couple of years, when falling at hurdles.
"So to do that with the biggest pressure. I actually felt great and I’m thinking ‘I have to go for the double’.
"Mark [Allen] has so much bottle. When he’s on that break I thought he’d done it again.
"I think I’ve still got it. I gave myself a chance with a new cue and that’s given me a bit of confidence and I fancied having a go at my shots.
"I’ve loved being out here. I’ve loved playing here and I’m proud of myself. It means a lot.
"I’ll give myself a pat on the back, I’m pretty good under pressure!"
The reward for one of snooker's most decorated players is a quarter-final tie against Kyren Wilson.
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