John Higgins secured his place in the Tour Championship quarter-finals after overcoming a Mark Williams fightback. The four-time world champion defeated Williams 10-8 in Manchester.
Higgins Overcomes Slow Start Against Williams
Higgins, ranked sixth in the world, started slowly as Williams won the first two frames, including a break of 121. The Scotsman responded by winning the next seven frames to take control of the match.
Williams, however, clawed back four frames to trail 7-6. Higgins regained a two-frame cushion with a break of 110.
Williams fought back again to level the tie at 8-8 with breaks of 107 and 76. Ultimately, he could not sustain his momentum, and Higgins won the next two frames to secure the win.
Hawkins and Wakelin Also Advance
Barry Hawkins beat 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 after his victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Open final earlier this month.
Chris Wakelin defeated Wu Yize 10-6.
- Higgins will face Mark Selby in the quarter-finals.
- Hawkins will face Neil Robertson.
- Wakelin will face Zhao Xintong.
Wakelin will face Zhao Xintong in the last-eight.