John Higgins said that he was “so proud” after sealing a semi-final spot at the 2026 World Snooker Championship on Wednesday in Sheffield.
The Scot will make an appearance at the Crucible’s famous single table setup for the first time since 2022 after completing a 13-10 victory over Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals.
For the second match in succession, Higgins staged an impressive turnaround to oust one of the sport’s greats.
It was old foe Ronnie O’Sullivan in the last 16, with Higgins overturning a 9-4 deficit to win a classic in a deciding frame.
The Scot was then 9-6 down on Robertson but won seven out of the remaining eight frames to continue his quest to capture a fifth Crucible crown.
“I’m so proud to beat an unbelievable champion in Neil over three tough sessions,” Higgins, who will meet Shaun Murphy in the last four, told the World Snooker Tour.
“What a win for me. I’m loving it, and I cannot wait to get out and play Shaun in that one-table theatre tomorrow. I see they are just building it all up again.”
“I thought last year I was close with Mark Williams, and when I clicked on the TV a couple of times, I thought that would be special to be at that one-table setup again.
“You think you might not get back there. But I’m back, and I can’t wait to walk out with Shaun tomorrow.”
A couple of seasons ago, Higgins was in the midst of a difficult spell where he contemplated his future in the game.
But the Wizard of Wishaw returned to the champion’s circle with victory in last season’s World Open, backing it up soon after with another success at the Tour Championship.
He hasn’t quite been able to get his hands on more silverware during this term – losing three times in big finals across a consistent campaign.
But Higgins credits a new mental approach in recent times that has helped him to rediscover the drive and determination of old when he’s competing on the green baize.
“I definitely think that there has been a mentality shift in the last two years. Now I come to events and don’t get too down on myself,” Higgins admitted.
“I think I’m a different person now when coming to events. Obviously, you hope to play well, but if you don’t, you don’t.”
“I’ve got a better mindset, I think. That has been helping me with this campaign.”
An encounter with Murphy represents a repeat of the 2009 World Championship final, which Higgins won to secure the third of his four titles in Sheffield.
The soon-to-be 51 year-old will likely have to be at his very best considering the levels the 2005 champion has produced during his victories over Xiao Guodong and reigning champion Zhao Xintong.
“I think for Shaun, he really is good enough to win multiple world titles. But you could say the same thing about Robertson and Trump,” Higgins said of his upcoming opponent.
“It’s so difficult to do. He would obviously join an exclusive club of people who have won it more than once.”
“He’ll be trying his best – he’s playing amazing. I’ve just got to go in and hopefully give him a game.”
The other semi-final at the 2026 World Snooker Championship pits former world number one Mark Allen against rising star Wu Yize.
Both players will be bidding to reach a maiden World Championship final after orchestrating respective quarter-finals wins over Barry Hawkins and Hossein Vafaei.
Featured photo credit: WST
