John Higgins Defeats Mark Selby in Thrilling Tour Championship Final: A Snooker Masterclass

Higgins Overcomes Selby in Epic Tour Championship Final

An emotional John Higgins produced a classic snooker masterclass, defeating fellow four-time world champion Mark Selby 10-8 in a gripping Tour Championship final in Manchester. The Scottish legend, who turns 50 next month, demonstrated his unbreakable spirit and tactical brilliance to reclaim victory from the brink of defeat.

The Match Highlights:

• 🎯 Early Dominance: Higgins surged ahead with a 5-1 lead, displaying impeccable break-building, including two centuries (102, 102).
• 🔄 Selby's Comeback: The 'Jester from Leicester' roared back, winning seven consecutive frames (including breaks of 112 and 136) to seize an 8-5 advantage.
• 💥 Higgins’ Fightback: Refusing to fade, Higgins fired in breaks of 110, 67, and 84 to level at 8-8. He sealed victory with a stunning 132 clearance, his eighth century of the tournament.
• 🏆 Historic Win: This marks Higgins' second ranking title in two months, ending a four-year drought and earning the £150,000 top prize.

Post-Match Reactions:

John Higgins:

"You’re playing a monster in Mark Selby. To be 5-1 up, then 8-5 down, and win five straight frames against him? It’s my best ever win."

Mark Selby:

"He’s an all-time great. The way he played from 8-5 down—he stood up like the warrior he is."

Road to the Crucible:

The win sends a warning to the snooker world ahead of the World Championship (April 19). Though no player has won the Tour Championship and Crucible in the same season, Higgins’ resurgence—dubbed 'The Wizard of Wishaw Revival'—makes him a serious contender.

Key Stats:

• 🚀 8 centuries in the final (tying a best-of-19 record).
• 💰 £150,000 prize, plus the £10,000 high-break bonus.
• 🏅 33rd ranking title for Higgins, closing the gap on Stephen Hendry (36) and Ronnie O’Sullivan (40).

The Bigger Picture:

Higgins has been rejuvenated since his March World Open win, while Selby remains a formidable force with three ranking titles this season. Their rivalry—spanning two World Finals—added another unforgettable chapter.

What’s Next?

All eyes turn to Sheffield, where Higgins aims to end an 11-year Crucible drought. Can he carry this momentum? Meanwhile, Selby vows to rebound as the sport’s golden era continues.