John Higgins was left feeling 'sick' after a critical missed black in the 32nd frame of his World Championship semi-final against Shaun Murphy, a moment that ultimately sealed his 17-15 defeat at the Crucible. The four-time world champion was on the brink of forcing a deciding frame when he compiled a break of 50, but his failure to pot the black allowed Murphy to return to the table and clinch victory.
Higgins' Heartbreak
Higgins, 50, was aiming to become the oldest finalist in any Triple Crown event. However, the missed black will linger in his memory. 'It's raw just now, the way it finished. I'm bitterly disappointed with that one shot on the black,' said the Scot. 'Right now I'm obviously sick at the way I finished that final black. That's the overriding emotion I've got right now.'
Reflecting on the error, Higgins explained: 'Just very weak, the shot on the black there at the end. I know the pressure is on, but in the final session Shaun was punching and really going for it. I got lost a little bit at the end there. It's understandable, it's difficult. I played the black so badly, it's as if I was trying to steer it in at the end instead of trying to play it positively and stun it in.'
He added: 'It's just what happens with your action, when you get a little bit older, it's starting to break down at certain times and it broke down badly in that last frame there.'
Murphy's Brilliance
Despite his disappointment, Higgins was full of praise for Murphy's performance, particularly in the final session. The Englishman trailed 13-11 heading into Saturday but produced three centuries and a 78 to snatch victory. 'Shaun, you can't hit the ball better than that, the way Shaun hit the ball in the last session. It was incredible,' said Higgins. 'He hits it like God. Disappointed, but what can you do?'
Murphy, who will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize (locked at 11-11), returned the compliment. 'John Higgins, what a player, what a man. The harder it gets out here, the tougher he gets, the better he plays. What a player, what a competitor, what a man he's been. If I'm half the player when I'm in my fifties as he is, I'll be very proud,' said Murphy.
The Magician is aiming for his second world title in his fifth Crucible final, while both Allen and Wu are vying for their first appearance in the showpiece match.
