The opening session between China’s Xiao Guodong and Scotland’s world No. 3 John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield ended in a thrilling 4-4 tie on Thursday.
John Higgins, arriving in top form after recent victories at the World Open and the Tour Championship, took an early lead. He showcased his skill with impressive breaks of 131, 62, and 54, moving ahead 3-1 by the mid-session interval.
However, Xiao Guodong fought back after the break, notching a remarkable century break of 114. He seized momentum by claiming the next two frames, pushing ahead to 4-3. Higgins responded in the final frame of the evening with a solid run of 79, leveling the match at 4-4.
The second session between the two players is set to take place on Friday afternoon, promising more exhilarating action.
In other matches, England’s Ben Woollaston pulled off a major upset by defeating four-time champion Mark Selby 10-8. Woollaston, who led 6-5 after the first session, maintained his composure throughout the tense match. Despite Selby’s efforts to level the score, Woollaston secured victory in a gripping 46-minute 18th frame. He advances to face China’s Si Jiahui, who overcame veteran David Gilbert.
