Wizardry and Willpower: John Higgins Stuns Selby with Epic Comeback to Clinch Tour Championship Glory
In an unforgettable Tour Championship final in Manchester, snooker legend John Higgins produced one of the finest comebacks of his career to edge past fellow four-time world champion Mark Selby 10-8, capping an emotional night with vintage brilliance. The 49-year-old Scot, who turns 50 next month, appeared in control early on, storming to a 5-1 lead with clinical breaks of 102. But in true Selby fashion, the Englishman roared back with ruthless efficiency, rattling off seven consecutive frames. His dominance during that spell saw him outscore Higgins 767 points to just 66, transforming a 5-1 deficit into an 8-5 lead.
With momentum firmly against him, Higgins looked beaten. But displaying the grit and tenacity that has defined his storied career, “The Wizard of Wishaw” refused to fold. From 8-5 down, he rallied with breaks of 110, 67, and 84 to reclaim the lead at 9-8. Then, in a moment of pure snooker artistry, he completed a stunning 132 clearance to clinch the title, collect the £150,000 top prize, and seal his second ranking victory in as many months, following a four-year title drought.
“This is my best ever win,” said an emotional Higgins. “To be 5-1 up, then 8-5 down against someone like Mark—you don’t come back from that. It was incredible.”
Selby, who had hopes of capturing his third ranking title of the season, was gracious in defeat. “That’s why John is an all-time great,” he said. “From 8-5, he stood up like the warrior he is.”
The win also marks a statement ahead of the upcoming World Championship at the Crucible on 19 April. While no player has ever claimed both the Tour Championship and the World title in the same season, Higgins’ current form makes him a genuine contender.
