Snooker: Higgins forced to justify his reputation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Snooker's man of the moment, John Higgins, repelled a forceful challenge from John Parrott yesterday to stay on course for back-to-back world ranking event titles in Newport.
The Scot, who hammered Parrott 9-4 in the final of last month's German Open, held his nerve to reach the semi-finals of the Regal Welsh Open with a 5-4 victory.
"I feel I am playing better than I've done for ages, but John is producing the best snooker in the world right now and he's extremely tough to beat," Parrott said.
Higgins, who tackles Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton or last year's runner- up, the Romford left-hander Mark King, for a place in the final took the first frame on the black and moved 2-0 ahead before Parrott hit back. Runs of 75 and 84 carried the 1991 world and UK champion on to level terms and provided the first indication that a tight finish was in prospect.
Higgins, with a 132 total clearance and a 74 break, and Parrott, thanks to contributions of 103 and 74, shared four high quality frames to force a decider, which also developed into a high-scoring affair. Higgins opened with a run of 52, fortunately snookered Parrott on a red over a top-corner pocket and stepped in with a clinching 60.
While agreeing with Parrott's assessment of his current status within the game, Higgins made it clear he is not complacent.
"I suppose results speak for themselves and I probably am the most consistent player around at the moment but things can change so quickly. Only a couple of months ago I was really struggling," Higgins said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments