The 2025 World Open final on Saturday will be contested between John Higgins and Joe O’Connor at the Yushan Sport Centre in China.
Higgins and O’Connor emerged from contrasting semi-final matches on Friday to move one step closer to claiming the champion’s cheque.
In the opening last-four clash, Higgins fought his way back from 5-3 behind to deny world number 89 Zak Surety in a dramatic climax.
Surety had looked on course to reach a maiden final as a professional player but botched a straightforward red under pressure in the deciding frame to allow his esteemed opponent in to pinch the win.
Later on the penultimate evening of the competition, O’Connor extended his memorable run with an easier triumph over Ali Carter.
The Englishman wasn’t able to score quite as prolifically as he did against Shaun Murphy in the previous round, where he compiled a hat-trick of century breaks.
But O’Connor was never behind in the affair and orchestrated a 6-3 win that will see him make a second appearance in a ranking event final.
The 29 year-old, who counted world number one Judd Trump among his earlier conquests, now has the chance to etch his name onto silverware for the first time on the main tour.
O’Connor previously reached the final of the 2022 Scottish Open where he came one hurdle short in defeat to Gary Wilson.
In the 2025 World Open final, his challenge will be even greater as he is tasked with eliminating one of the all-time legends of the game.
Higgins, however, will have obstacles of his own to overcome.
The 49 year-old hasn’t been able to add to his impressive career tally of 31 ranking crowns since his success at the Players Championship four years ago.
In recent seasons, the Wizard of Wishaw has been able to get himself into several strong positions before stumbling with the winning line in sight.
Indeed, Higgins has lost the last five ranking event finals that he has contested, including in this season’s British Open when he was denied by Mark Selby.
Still, with his vast experience he will undoubtedly begin this title-deciding showdown as the favourite.
Higgins will additionally be buoyed by the fact that he has survived two matches in this week’s tournament when trailing by two frames with three to play.
The Scot has encountered O’Connor eight times in all competitions – winning four times and losing three times, with one of their prior games ending in a draw.
Ties won’t be an option in this best-of-19 battle, and O’Connor will be looking for a fast start as he has done so often this week to put pressure on his opponent.
Capturing the title would be a breakthrough moment in his career, with riches beyond the £175,000 top prize up for grabs.
Glory would also see O’Connor qualify for the lucrative Players Championship and potentially the Tour Championship too, plus he’d be invited to the Champion of Champions next season as well.
For Higgins, an overdue return to the winners’ enclosure is on the line.
The 2025 World Open final is on Saturday, March 1st at 6am and 11:30am UTC.
Featured photos credit: WST
Higgins appearing in a 57th ranking final, matching Hendry in joint second on the all-time list.
I only make the Scot a slight favourite. The reasons that DC has outlined about the long wait a great like Higgins has endured adds extra pressure. While O’Connor’s career trajectory in the last three years suggests he’sone of the most likely players currently active to shake their maiden tag. The Leicester man possesses a fine all-round game and has scored heavily this week.