John Higgins survived a comeback attempt from Mark Williams to secure a 10-8 victory in the first round of the Tour Championship in Manchester.
Higgins Overcomes Slow Start
The four-time world champion Higgins, ranked sixth in the world, began tentatively as Williams, the world number four, claimed the first two frames, including a break of 121.
However, the slow start spurred Higgins into action. The 50-year-old Scotsman responded by winning the next seven frames to seize control of the match.
Williams Stages a Comeback
Williams, 51, fought back, taking four frames to reduce the deficit to 7-6. Higgins then regained a two-frame advantage with a break of 110.
Williams continued to battle, with breaks of 107 and 76 levelling the match at 8-8. Ultimately, the Welshman couldn’t maintain his momentum, as Higgins secured the final two frames to clinch his place in the quarter-finals.
Higgins’ victory sets up a quarter-final match against Mark Selby, who received a bye in the first round.
Hawkins and Wakelin Also Advance
Elsewhere, Barry Hawkins defeated Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 10-8. Hawkins will now face Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals.
Un-Nooh had earned his place at the Tour Championship following his victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Open final earlier this month.
Chris Wakelin defeated Wu Yize 10-6. Wakelin is set to face Zhao Xintong in the last-eight.