Snooker news - John Higgins edges out Mark Selby to set up Ronnie O’Sullivan clash

ByEurosport

Updated 06/03/2019 at 22:52 GMT

Former world champion John Higgins edged out the world number one Mark Selby 6-4 on Wednesday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan.

John Higgins of Scotland in action during his first round match against Ryan Day of Wales during day one of The Dafabet Masters at Alexandra Palace on January 13, 2019 in London, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Higgins, took three of the opening four frames, notching half-century breaks of 68 and 58.

However Selby responded in style as he rattled in breaks of 67 and 76 and then a 121 to take a lead.

He was then undone as two more half-centuries put Higgins one away from victory and he closed out to reach the next round.

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In that quarter-final he will face fellow Class of 92 member O’Sullivan.

Higgins has been really struggling for form this season and he has previously admitted that he has had issues finding motivation at times.

In the other match at the Preston Guild Hall on Wednesday Stuart Bingham knocked out David Gilbert 6-4 to reach the last eight.

Gilbert opened up with a break of 86 before Bingham responded well, winning three frames in a row.

The 2015 world champion knocked in breaks of 60, 71 and 68 to go 3-1 ahead.

The pair then exchanged breaks as Bingham did more than enough to secure his place in the quarter-finals.

He will face Mark Allen for a place in the final four.

In the first quarter-final Masters champion Judd Trump came from 4-1 down to beat close friend Jack Lisowski 6-5.

Trump knocked in two tons, including a masterful one in the decider as he completed a sensational turnaround to reach the semi-finals.

He will face the winner of the match between Neil Robertson and Mark Williams.

PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

First Round

Mark Allen 6-2 Stephen Maguire
Stuart Bingham 6-4 David Gilbert
Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-4 Barry Hawkins
John Higgins 6-4 Mark Selby
Neil Robertson 6-3 Joe Perry
Mark Williams 6-2 Ali Carter
Jack Lisowski 6-4 Kyren Wilson
Judd Trump 6-0 Jimmy Robertson

Quarter-finals

Judd Trump 6-5 Jack Lisowski
Neil Robertson v Mark Williams
Mark Allen v Stuart Bingham
Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins

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