Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins entertained big crowds at Goffs to reach the final of the inaugural John Virgo Trophy on Saturday.
The two-day tournament at the iconic venue in Ireland has been put on by Snooker Legends promoter Jason Francis in tribute to the late John Virgo, who died aged 79 in February.
There was an electric atmosphere as four all-time greats of the game took to the baize for two blockbuster semi-final ties.
Played under the quick-fire Snooker 900 format, Higgins first beat Mark Williams 6-4 before O’Sullivan later overcame Stephen Hendry with a 6-1 scoreline.
There had been much excitement in the build-up to the showdown between the pair of seven-time world champions especially.
Hendry compiled a break of 61 in the second frame but that was as good as it got as the Rocket ultimately coasted to victory against the retired Scotsman.
Earlier, Higgins had trailed 2-0 and 4-3 but fought back in trademark fashion to seize control of the affair and was able to edge out his old Class of ’92 rival.
It sets up a mouthwatering clash between O’Sullivan and Higgins, who are no strangers to meeting in finals.
On the World Snooker Tour, they have contested a staggering 18 title-deciding matches against each other since clashing in their first all the way back in 1995.
While this may not be a main-tour showdown with ranking points or prestigious prizes on the line, the duo will certainly still be giving it their all in an effort to get one over on the other.
With the World Championship on the horizon and starting next week at the Crucible Theatre, this is an opportunity as well for both O’Sullivan and Higgins to iron out any kinks that they might currently have in their games.
The top prize in the tournament isn’t to be sniffed at either, with €20,000 up for grabs for the winner. The runner-up will receive €15,000.
John Virgo Trophy final schedule
The John Virgo Trophy final will take place over 11 frames, commencing at 7pm on Sunday, April 12th. Live coverage is available on 5 Action and Pluto TV (selected regions).
Before that in the afternoon session, there will be a third and fourth-place play-off between Hendry and Williams.
Dennis Taylor will also entertain the audience with a trick-shot cabaret, while four Irish juniors will additionally take part in a Junior Snooker 900 competition.
Sunday, April 12
- Irish Junior Snooker 900 Championship (12pm–1pm)
Semi-finals and final - Trick Shot Cabaret (2pm–2:30pm)
Featuring Dennis Taylor - Third/fourth-place play-off (2:30pm–5pm)
- Final (7pm–11pm)
What is the Snooker 900 format?
The John Virgo Trophy will be played using the Snooker 900 format, which is designed to deliver quicker and more engaging matches for fans to enjoy.
Each frame lasts a maximum of 15 minutes and incorporates a shot clock, meaning players are forced to make decisions more quickly and adopt a more attacking approach than in traditional snooker.
The format’s popularity has gained momentum in recent times as it is generally aimed at creating a more television-friendly product.
Featured photo credit: WST
