This video can not be played 'What a match!' - Williams through to semi-finals Three-time winner Mark Williams held off a spirited John Higgins fightback to win a Crucible classic 13-12 on the black as he reached the semi-finals of the World Championship. Resuming at 8-8 on Wednesday, Higgins was initially left to rue costly misses in each of the first four frames as winner Williams reeled off all four with three half-centuries along the way. Williams, 50, who had trailed 5-1, took the 20th frame but was then largely confined to his chair as four-time champion Higgins delivered a stirring response from 12-8 down. The 49-year-old, who appeared to be labouring, suddenly found his rhythm and compiled breaks of 94, 114 and 67 to set up a dramatic finale. Both players had opportunities to clinch a tense final frame but when Higgins rattled the jaws of the corner pocket on the blue, the Welshman capitalised to become the oldest player to reach the last four since 52-year-old Ray Reardon in 1985. "Unbelievable game, unbelievable finish. The blue I played was probably one of my best shots for many years," Williams told BBC Sport. "What a blue...balls of steel. It was tough a shot. I could have gone in-off. I could have over cut it. I just went for it full-blooded. "There was not one bit of nerves, maybe I've only had them a handful of times in my entire career." Williams' victory over Higgins means he will face Luca Brecel or world number one Judd Trump in the semi-finals. Mark Williams has reached the World Championship semi-finals eight times While world number six Williams has generally held sway over his fellow 'Class of 92' rival in Sheffield - winning five of their six meetings - it was still a first loss in a decider for Higgins since 1996. However, the prospect of it living up to the thriller they served up in the 2018 final, in which the Welshman eventually triumphed 18-16, appeared unlikely to materialise after the first four frames of the morning. While Williams said he belted out 'Delilah' by Tom Jones to inspire him before arriving, Higgins had appeared out of sorts and out of rhythm until the mid-session interval and only when he reappeared did he resemble the player that recently won the World Open and Tour Championship. "I was poor the first four frames, but after the interval I had nothing to lose and played maybe the best four-frame burst of the whole event," said the Scot. "I had my chance. If I pot the brown and roll through, maybe the blue is unmissable, but you are under that much pressure. "It was an incredible atmosphere. I am devastated right now but the atmosphere we got in there is why we keep playing the game." In Wednesday morning's other quarter-final, Ronnie O'Sullivan maintained his four-frame lead over Si Jiahui and will take a 10-6 lead into the concluding session at 19:00 BST. Leading 6-2 overnight, 'the Rocket' traded frames with world number 13 Si to head into the mid-session interval at 8-4. O'Sullivan, who is bidding for a record eighth crown in the modern era, went 9-4 up when Si missed a red to the left middle when 43 points ahead with 43 remaining. Despite that setback, the 22-year-old from China, who had compiled a century in the 10th frame, took the next took with runs of 61 and 52. O'Sullivan, though, showed all his experience to take the 16th frame with a break of 64 to restore a healthy cushion. It leaves the Englishman on course for a a record-extending 14th appearance in the semis.
Williams beats Higgins in stunning Crucible black-ball finish
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mark Williams Edges John Higgins in Thrilling World Championship Quarter-Final"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
In an exhilarating quarter-final match at the World Snooker Championship, three-time champion Mark Williams edged out fellow veteran John Higgins with a dramatic 13-12 victory, securing his place in the semi-finals. The match resumed at a tense 8-8, where Williams quickly capitalized on Higgins' early mistakes, winning four consecutive frames with three impressive half-century breaks. Despite initially trailing 5-1, Williams showcased his resilience by taking control of the match. However, Higgins, a four-time champion himself, staged a remarkable comeback from a 12-8 deficit, displaying his exceptional skill with breaks of 94, 114, and 67. The match culminated in a nail-biting final frame, where both players had chances to clinch victory. Ultimately, Higgins' miscue on the blue allowed Williams to seize the moment, making him the oldest player to reach the semi-finals since Ray Reardon in 1985.
Williams expressed his delight at the thrilling finish, highlighting a particular shot on the blue that he considered one of his best in years. The match not only underscored Williams' experience and talent but also marked a significant moment in Higgins' career, as it was his first loss in a deciding frame since 1996. Both players acknowledged the electric atmosphere of the Crucible, with Higgins reflecting on the intensity of the match and his own performance. Meanwhile, in another quarter-final, Ronnie O'Sullivan maintained a lead over Si Jiahui, heading into the concluding session of his match. As O'Sullivan aims for a record eighth title, the stage is set for an exciting semi-final round, with Williams now poised to face either Luca Brecel or world number one Judd Trump.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The match between Mark Williams and John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship is a significant sports event that highlights the resilience and skill of seasoned players in a high-stakes environment. The article captures the excitement of a closely contested match, showcasing Williams' impressive comeback and his ability to perform under pressure. The narrative also emphasizes the emotional and dramatic aspects of sports, aiming to engage readers who appreciate thrilling competitions.
Impact on Public Perception
The article is likely designed to enhance the image of snooker as an exciting and unpredictable sport, appealing to both dedicated fans and casual viewers. By highlighting the dramatic finish and the intense rivalry between two well-known players, the report fosters a sense of community among fans and may attract new viewers to the sport.
Omissions and Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on the match's excitement, it does not delve into the broader context of snooker’s popularity and challenges, such as the impact of younger players entering the scene or the sport's viewership trends. This omission may suggest a desire to maintain a specific narrative about the sport's traditional stars without addressing potential future changes.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article is celebratory, emphasizing Williams' experience and skill, which could be seen as a strategy to reinforce his status in the sport. Phrases like “balls of steel” create a vivid image of bravery and skill, potentially stirring admiration and loyalty among fans. This emotional appeal might overshadow critical discussions about the sport's current state.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears credible, as it reports on a significant sporting event with specific details about the match and player performances. However, the selective focus on the match's excitement rather than broader issues in snooker may indicate a bias towards maintaining a positive image of the sport's veterans.
Connections to Other News
When compared to other sports news, this article can be seen as part of a larger narrative that celebrates traditional sports figures amidst the rising popularity of new talents in various sports. It serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of established players while potentially overshadowing emerging talents.
Potential Societal Impact
As a result of this match, fans may feel a renewed interest in snooker, which could lead to increased viewership and support for the sport. The emotional highs and lows experienced in such matches can also serve to engage audiences beyond the snooker community, potentially influencing social discussions around competitive sports and resilience.
Audience Engagement
The article seems to target a demographic that values tradition in sports, particularly older fans who have followed players like Williams and Higgins throughout their careers. The focus on their rivalry may resonate more with long-time snooker enthusiasts than with newer fans.
Market Influence
While the immediate impact on stock markets or financial sectors may be limited, the increasing popularity of snooker could influence sponsorship deals and media rights in the sport. Companies associated with snooker might see a rise in interest, affecting their market strategies.
Geopolitical Relevance
In terms of global power dynamics, the match itself may not hold significant weight. However, it reflects the cultural importance of snooker in regions like the UK, where it is deeply embedded in the sporting landscape.
AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools were utilized in drafting this article, especially in data gathering or statistics presentation. However, the language and emotional tone suggest a human touch in crafting the narrative to engage readers effectively.
In conclusion, while the article is primarily a celebration of a thrilling sports event and the players involved, it strategically omits broader discussions about the sport's future and younger talent. The excitement conveyed may be aimed at sustaining interest in traditional players and the sport overall.