In a thrilling conclusion to the Tour Championship held in Manchester on April 6, 2025, John Higgins emerged victorious over fellow four-time world champion Mark Selby, clinching the title with a dramatic 10-8 win. This match will be remembered not only for its intensity but also for the remarkable comebacks and high-level play displayed by both competitors.
Higgins started the final in commanding fashion, racing to a 5-1 lead during the afternoon session. He showcased his exceptional skill with breaks of 102 and 68, leaving Selby scrambling to find his rhythm. However, Selby, known for his resilience, fought back to close the gap to 5-3, ending the session with a stunning total clearance of 135.
As the evening session commenced, Selby continued his momentum, winning five consecutive frames to take an 8-5 lead, which seemed to put him in the driver’s seat. It was a remarkable turnaround, as Selby had scored an impressive 453 points to Higgins' mere 10 during a seven-frame stretch, showcasing his dominance at that moment.
Yet, just when it appeared that Selby would secure the title, Higgins displayed the fighting spirit that has defined his illustrious career. Responding to the pressure, he began to mount a comeback, starting with a break of 110 that brought him back into contention. The match took a pivotal turn as Higgins reeled off five frames in a row, a feat that seemed almost impossible given the circumstances.
“It’s my best-ever win, definitely,” Higgins declared after the match. “Never mind world titles, UK... The way Mark was playing to go 8-5, my head was spinning. I don’t know how I came back to be brutally honest.”
Higgins' comeback included a break of 67, followed by a frame where he won 65-0, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on every opportunity. The tension built as the score leveled at 8-8, with both players aware that the next frames would decide the championship.
In the 18th frame, Higgins delivered a stunning total clearance of 132, sealing his victory and the top prize of £150,000. This performance not only marked his second ranking title in two months but also served as a powerful statement ahead of the upcoming World Championship, which begins on April 19, 2025.
Selby, reflecting on the match, praised Higgins, saying, “He’s incredible, isn’t he? That’s why he’s an all-time great. The way he played from 8-5 was incredible.” The mutual respect between the two champions was evident throughout the match, each pushing the other to their limits.
The final also saw both players equal the record for the most centuries in a match, with a total of eight century breaks between them, showcasing the high quality of snooker on display. Selby recorded breaks of 112 and 136 during his run, while Higgins added to his tally with a 110 break.
As both players prepare for the World Championship, Higgins' victory serves as a reminder of his enduring talent and ability to perform under pressure. With the form he displayed in the Tour Championship, he is sure to be a contender at the Crucible.
Higgins, who has been rejuvenated since winning the World Open last month, now heads to Sheffield with renewed confidence and the momentum of this incredible victory behind him. Fans eagerly anticipate his performance at the World Championship, where he will look to add another title to his illustrious career.
In conclusion, the Tour Championship final was not just a showcase of snooker excellence but a testament to the competitive spirit of both John Higgins and Mark Selby. The match will surely go down in history as one of the greats, with Higgins emerging as the champion in a dramatic display of skill and determination.
