Four-time world champion John Higgins of Scotland swept into the semifinals of the World Snooker Tour (WST) World Open with a commanding 5-0 victory over Pang Junxu on Thursday in Shangrao, east China’s Jiangxi Province.
Higgins showcased his experience and skill, making a stunning break of 125 to clinch the first frame. He then maintained his momentum with three impressive breaks of 87, 96, and 81 in the following frames, leaving Pang, the only Chinese player left in the last eight, with few opportunities.
The last encounter between Higgins and Pang was in the qualifying rounds of the Welsh Open in 2022, where Higgins prevailed 4-1. Once again, Higgins demonstrated his dominance over the rising star from the Chinese mainland.
Higgins will face England’s Zak Surety in the semifinals after Surety defeated compatriot Tom Ford 5-3 earlier in the day.
In another quarterfinal showdown, Joe O’Connor continued his remarkable run by defeating fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy 5-1. O’Connor opened strong with breaks of 135 and 100 to take a 2-0 lead. Although Murphy responded with a century of 128 in the third frame, O’Connor secured three consecutive frames, including a break of 132, to seal the victory.
"I played really well and didn’t give Shaun many chances," O’Connor said after the match. "When the long pots are going in, you have to punish the top players. That’s what I did today, and I’m proud of it. This week, it has all come together, and hopefully I can win the trophy. If I play like that, it will take a lot to stop me."
O’Connor will face Ali Carter in the semifinals. Carter staged an impressive comeback from 3-1 and 4-3 down to edge Barry Hawkins 5-4. Carter, a seasoned player with two of his six ranking titles won in China, aims to add another victory to his record.
The semifinals promise intense competition as the players vie for a spot in the final of the WST World Open.
