Neil Robertson Leads John Higgins 5-3 in World Championship Quarter-Final After Grueling First Session

Key facts

• Neil Robertson leads John Higgins 5-3 after the first session of their World Snooker Championship quarter-final.
• The match is a best-of-25 frames, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre.
• Robertson considers Higgins the second-greatest player in history, behind Ronnie O'Sullivan and ahead of Mark Selby.
• Steve Davis, a six-time world champion, also ranks Higgins and Selby in his top three, alongside O'Sullivan.
• Higgins, a four-time world champion, turned professional in 1992 and is approaching his 51st birthday.
• Robertson advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating Chris Wakelin in the second round on Monday.
• The second session is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the final session on Wednesday.

A Hard-Fought Opening Session

Neil Robertson seized a 5-3 lead over John Higgins after a grueling first session of their World Snooker Championship quarter-final at the Crucible Theatre. The match, a race to 13 frames, saw both players locked in a lengthy scrap that delayed the start of the evening session. Robertson, the 2010 world champion, acknowledged the narrow margin and refused to get carried away, given the caliber of his opponent.

Robertson’s High Regard for Higgins

Robertson has long held Higgins in the highest esteem, placing him second only to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the pantheon of snooker greats. 'Top three straight away, I think anyone would, 100 per cent,' Robertson said. 'I think you’d probably have Ronnie, John and third greatest would be probably Mark Selby. Yeah, I’d have those three, with John at two.' The Australian’s ranking notably omits seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, a decision that aligns with the views of six-time world champion Steve Davis.

Davis Endorses Robertson’s Top-Three List

Steve Davis, a dominant figure in the 1980s, echoed Robertson’s assessment, calling Selby the 'most underrated player in the game by the general public.' Davis said: 'I think he’s top three standard ever. Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Selby. The actual standard. Mark Williams is in there as well. But an astonishing standard he can produce, relentless stuff and once he’s in the zone, what a player.' Davis’s remarks underscore a consensus among elite players that Higgins and Selby belong in the conversation with O'Sullivan.

Higgins’ Enduring Legacy

Higgins, a four-time world champion, remains among the game’s elite as he approaches his 51st birthday, a testament to his longevity since turning professional in 1992. The Scot, known as the Wizard of Wishaw, has defied age to stay competitive at the Crucible. His quarter-final clash with Robertson pits two former champions against each other, with the winner earning a place in the final four.

Robertson’s Recent Form and Confidence

Robertson came into the quarter-final buoyed by a second-round victory over Chris Wakelin on Monday. The Australian expressed confidence in his recent head-to-head record against Higgins, suggesting he has had the better of their encounters of late. However, he remains cautious, aware that Higgins’ experience and resilience make him a dangerous opponent over the longer format.

What Lies Ahead

The match resumes with the second session on Tuesday evening, followed by the decisive session on Wednesday. Robertson’s two-frame cushion is slender, and Higgins will look to exploit any lapse in concentration. The outcome will hinge on who can maintain composure in the high-pressure environment of the Crucible. For Robertson, a victory would validate his lofty ranking of Higgins and bring him closer to a second world title.

The bottom line

• Neil Robertson leads John Higgins 5-3 after the first session of their World Championship quarter-final.
• Robertson ranks Higgins as the second-greatest player of all time, behind Ronnie O'Sullivan and ahead of Mark Selby.
• Steve Davis agrees with Robertson’s top-three list, calling Selby the most underrated player.
• Higgins, at nearly 51, continues to compete at the highest level, having turned professional in 1992.
• The match is a best-of-25 frames, with sessions continuing Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
• Robertson advanced by beating Chris Wakelin in the second round on Monday.