Snooker legend John Higgins has matched Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record for the most ranking event quarter-final appearances after a dramatic 5-4 victory over Zhou Yuelong at the Weide Cup World Open in Yushan.
The four-time world champion, battling a stomach upset, staged a remarkable comeback from 4-2 down to secure his 146th ranking quarter-final in a professional career spanning 33 years. The victory sees Higgins, 49, draw level with O’Sullivan in the history books and keeps his hopes alive for another major title.
Higgins’ Comeback and Reaction
After trailing Zhou, Higgins dug deep to produce breaks of 60 and 74 to level the match at 4-4 before sealing the win with a decisive 72 in the final frame. Reflecting on his milestone achievement, the Scotsman said he remains as motivated as ever.
“One more quarter-final for 147 would be nice,” Higgins quipped, referencing snooker’s famous maximum break. “I’ve had a long career and maybe that’s why I’ve managed to rack up some of those numbers. I’m proud to still be going. I still love competing out there and I’d dearly love to win a big event. That’s what I’m trying my hardest to do.”
Higgins will now face China’s Pang Junxu in Thursday’s quarter-finals. Pang secured his place in the last eight with a 5-2 victory over compatriot Xu Si.
Surety Reaches Career-First Quarter-Final
Meanwhile, world number 89 Zak Surety produced a stunning performance to reach his first-ever ranking event quarter-final. The Englishman defeated Liu Hongyu 5-2, compiling breaks of 97, 126, 86, and 65 to secure a career-best payday of ÂŁ22,000. He will next face Tom Ford, who booked his spot with a 5-3 win over Jimmy Robertson.
Murphy, Hawkins, and Carter Progress
Elsewhere, 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy continued his strong run, easing past Ding Junhui 5-2 to set up a quarter-final clash with Joe O’Connor, who edged out Michael Holt 5-3.
Barry Hawkins and Ali Carter will also battle for a semi-final place after registering victories over Ryan Day (5-3) and David Lilley (5-1) respectively.
As the World Open heads into its latter stages, all eyes will be on Higgins to see if he can surpass O’Sullivan’s record and continue his pursuit of another major title.
