At fifty years old, John Higgins has defied expectations, reaching the Masters semi-final – a feat not seen from a player his age since 1983. His journey hasn’t been solely about skill; it’s been a captivating blend of seasoned expertise and undeniable fortune.
Higgins dispatched Barry Hawkins with a decisive 6-2 victory, then faced a grueling quarter-final battle against the reigning World Champion, Zhao Xintong. The match was a rollercoaster, with Zhao initially seizing a commanding 5-3 lead, appearing poised for victory.
But the veteran refused to yield. Higgins dug deep, capitalizing on a remarkable run of luck and a crucial missed shot by Zhao on the final red in the deciding frame. He openly acknowledged the role of chance, describing a particularly fortunate fluke in the tenth frame as “criminal” luck.
This year, however, Higgins’ approach feels different. He’s not consumed by the pressure of competition, but rather embracing the experience. A relaxed mindset, he believes, is the key to his continued success.
Remarkably, Higgins has been immersing himself in London’s vibrant theatre scene during the tournament. He and his wife, Denise, attended a performance of “Just For One Day,” the Live Aid tribute, even foregoing practice the day before his quarter-final clash – a practice he would never have considered in the past.
He’s traded intense cue work for captivating performances, with plans to see “Abba Voyage” on the horizon. He even confessed to nearly dozing off during a showing of “The Devil Wears Prada” with his wife and son, Oliver.
This newfound freedom has allowed him to approach each match with a sense of enjoyment, a stark contrast to the self-imposed pressure of previous years. He’s simply relishing the opportunity to play, to compete, and to experience the city.
Zhao Xintong, despite the loss, remains a formidable force. Higgins predicts a long and successful career for the young champion, believing he’ll soon complete the coveted Triple Crown. He even joked that Zhao might have shown mercy to the “old man.”
Zhao, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Higgins’ exceptional play and the pivotal role luck played in the final frames. He accepted the outcome with characteristic composure, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the game.
Higgins now awaits the winner of the Judd Trump versus Mark Allen quarter-final, poised to continue his remarkable run. His journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of enjoying the game.
