McGill Shocks Higgins with Stunning Comeback to Reach First Final in 8 Years
Anthony McGill has secured a place in his first ranking final in eight years, pulling off a 6-3 victory over fellow Scot John Higgins in the semi-finals of the British Open. The win marks a significant milestone for McGill, who has faced a tough few years on the snooker circuit, currently ranked 57th in the world. It was a remarkable turnaround for McGill, who, after trailing 2-1 and 3-2, won four consecutive frames to seal the victory.
For Higgins, the defeat is bittersweet. The four-time World Champion, who turned 50 in May, had his chances but ultimately fell short. He produced a 111 break in the fifth frame, signaling his ability to dominate, but McGill remained resilient, producing a 104 break in the eighth and a 93 in the ninth to seal the match. Despite his performance, Higgins acknowledged his missed opportunities, particularly a costly error in the fourth frame when he missed an easy red. In his post-match comments, Higgins praised McGill’s excellent play, noting, “Anthony hit the ball superbly well, and every credit to him for finishing the match off very well.”
For McGill, the victory is a career-defining moment. After a tough few years, including a near-relegation from the tour, McGill is now guaranteed a return to the top 50, a huge boost for his career. “This will be the biggest final of my career,” McGill said, reflecting on his remarkable achievement. He will now await the winner of the second semi-final between defending champion Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy, hopeful that this resurgence marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
