John Higgins has hauled in Ronnie O’Sullivan in their second round clash at the World Snooker Championship closing the gap to 9-7 behind on Sunday night.
How the match unfolded after the first session
Stephen Hendry felt Ronnie O’Sullivan was ‘not the same player’ in the second session of his clash with John Higgins at the Crucible. Higgins showed he meant business with an 83 in the first frame of the evening but then it looked extremely ominous for the Wizard of Wishaw as the Rocket knocked in breaks of 116 and 80 to re-establish his dominance.
What Higgins did to fight back
The four-time world champion dug in sharing the next two frames before claiming three tight ones on the spin so O’Sullivan ended the evening just 9-7 up. The 15th frame was pinched by Higgins from behind before incredible drama in the 16th as both spurned chances to gain over the line and the Scot eventually did after O’Sullivan went in-off on the final red.
Why this match matters for both players
O’Sullivan is fighting to make the Crucible quarter-finals for a 24th time and looking for an eighth world title which would be a record in the modern era. He was watched by former Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes during his 10-2 first-round win over Chinese debutant He Guoqiang and this time UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett and Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez were in attendance.
What was the score after the first session on Saturday?
O’Sullivan took a 6-2 overnight lead against Higgins after the first session.
What did Stephen Hendry say about Higgins’ performance?
Hendry felt Ronnie O’Sullivan was ‘not the same player’ in the second session of his clash with John Higgins at the Crucible as the Scot closed the gap to 9-7 behind.