Higgins and Xiao Set for Late Finish in Dramatic World Championship Last-16 Battle

World Championship Thriller Between Higgins and Xiao Guodong Promises Late-Night Drama

Snooker fans will have to wait a little longer to find out who wins this rollercoaster of a World Championship last-16 match between John Higgins and Xiao Guodong. After a tense afternoon session at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the pair are heading towards a dramatic late-night conclusion, with the four-time champion Higgins needing just one more frame to book his place in the quarter-finals.

It’s been a gripping battle so far, full of momentum swings, nervy misses, and brilliant potting. As it stands, Higgins leads 12-11 in their race to 13 frames, but the finish has been delayed due to scheduling constraints, meaning they’ll have to return later on Saturday evening to finally settle it.

Higgins and Xiao Deliver a Classic at the Crucible

With both players showing flashes of brilliance—and moments of vulnerability—this match has had all the hallmarks of a classic Crucible clash.

After yesterday’s second session, the tie was beautifully poised at 8-8. Xiao, the world number 14, came out firing and knocked in a stylish break of 76 to move 9-8 in front. However, John Higgins, ever the competitor, responded in kind, taking the next two frames to edge back ahead at 10-9.

The 20th frame was a real war of attrition, lasting over 62 minutes. Higgins looked like he might grind it out after building a 46-25 advantage, but couldn’t quite get over the line. Xiao showed terrific nerve, producing a crucial pink to steal the frame and level things up again at 10-10.

There was no time for the Scot to dwell on that missed opportunity. As great champions do, Higgins bounced back immediately, rattling in a classy break of 84 to restore his lead at 11-10. He then pinched the 22nd frame as well, putting him on the brink of victory at 12-10.

But just when it seemed Higgins would close things out in frame 23, he faltered. Holding a 53-33 lead, he missed a straightforward black off the spot—a mistake that could prove pivotal. Xiao seized the opportunity, piecing together a composed run of 36 to keep his tournament hopes alive and set up a thrilling finale.

A Race Against the Clock at the Crucible

World Championship Thriller Between Higgins and Xiao Guodong Promises Late-Night Drama

Only seven of a potential nine frames were possible during the afternoon session before the next scheduled matches needed to begin at 14:30 BST. That means the conclusion of this tie will now have to wait until after the evening session, with Higgins and Xiao resuming play on the first available table.

It’s not the first time at this year’s World Championship that matches have spilled into late-night drama, and with two players so evenly matched, it’s fitting that this one is going down to the wire.

For Higgins, aged 49, the stakes are high. He’s tasted success at the Crucible four times before, lifting the famous trophy in 1998, 2007, 2009, and 2011. But recent years have been less kind—he’s fallen at the quarter-final stage in each of the last two seasons and hasn’t reached a final since 2019.

Higgins has also suffered semi-final heartbreak on three occasions and has lost in four World Championship finals overall. Adding another deep run to his glittering resume would be a significant achievement at this stage of his career.

For Xiao Guodong, reaching the last eight would mark a career-best performance at the Crucible. Long regarded as one of the more talented players outside the established elite, the Chinese star has struggled at times to convert potential into major results. A victory over a legend like Higgins on the sport’s biggest stage would be a huge moment for him—and for Chinese snooker, which is already riding high thanks to the likes of Ding Junhui and Si Jiahui.

Higgins vs Xiao: Who Will Hold Their Nerve?

The late finish sets the stage perfectly for a nerve-shredding climax. In many ways, the pressure now falls equally on both players.

Higgins, with his wealth of experience, knows exactly what it takes to win these types of matches—but he also knows how cruel the Crucible can be when things start to slip away. Xiao, meanwhile, has nothing to lose. He’s already pushed a snooker great to the brink and has shown he can hold his nerve in the key moments.

Tactically, Higgins will look to impose his trademark granite safety game, making it as difficult as possible for Xiao to score. Xiao, for his part, will want to keep the frames open and capitalize on any chances that come his way.

One thing is certain: whoever wins will have earned it the hard way.

A Night to Remember Awaits

When the dust settles at the Crucible later tonight, one of these two warriors will be celebrating a place in the World Championship quarter-finals. For Higgins, it would be yet another chapter in an already glittering career. For Xiao, it would be a breakthrough moment that could change the trajectory of his career.

In a tournament that already feels wide open, this match could have major implications for the rest of the fortnight.

Whatever happens, Higgins and Xiao have served up a contest worthy of the grand old theatre—and there’s one more act still to come.