Snooker 'legend' Higgins to meet Judd Trump in world final

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Snooker star John Higgins came from behind to win a last-frame decider and book his place in this year's World Championship final with a 17-16 victory over David Gilbert on Saturday.

Four-time world champion Higgins, 10-6 behind at one stage in this semi-final, made it 16-16 with a total clearance break of 139 at Sheffield's Crucible Theater.

And the 43-year-old Scot then seized his chance when Gilbert missed a black in the deciding frame to complete victory with a break of 55.

This win was in marked contrast to Higgins' second-round defeat at the UK Championships late last year that left him contemplating retirement.

The knowledge he'd twice blown a five-frame lead seemed to overwhelm the unheralded Englishman at his post-match press conference, with Gilbert breaking down in tears.

David Gilbert in tears at the press conference, Sheffield's Crucible Theater, May 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I'm absolutely gutted to lose," he said. "I could have got to a world final but I've got nothing to feel sad about. I came here with no expectations and to end up on the one table against a legend like John, it was an honor."

Higgins will play Judd Trump in the World Championship final, in a repeat of their 2011 meeting.

Source(s): AFP