John Higgins produced a resilient comeback to edge past Judd Trump 6-5 in the Masters semi-final at Alexandra Palace, while Kyren Wilson overcame Wu Yize in a final-frame thriller to book his place in the title match.
The 50-year-old Scot trailed 5-3 before winning three consecutive frames, including a decisive break of 70 in the decider, to deny the world number one his first tournament win of the season. Higgins had earlier clawed back from 3-0 down to 3-2, but Trump’s breaks of 70 and 57 appeared to have sealed the win.
“He is so tough to play against,” Higgins told BBC Sport. “I missed a couple of reds to put myself safe and then he did what he always does which is clear up. Even at 5-3, I didn’t give up. Who knows, maybe my name is on the trophy?” Higgins, now the oldest triple crown finalist in history, added: “I think I’m a better player now than I’ve ever been.”
Wilson, runner-up last year, faced a similar battle against Wu, who stormed back from 4-2 down with breaks of 75, 87 and 81 to lead 5-4. The world number two responded with a nerveless clearance of 57 to force the decider, before a composed 116 secured the win.
“I wasn’t at the races at all today,” Wilson admitted. “I don’t know where I got those last two frames from. Sometimes the snooker gods are on your side and you’ve just got to make the most of it.”
The final will see Higgins and Wilson meet with the Masters title at stake, both having shown remarkable character to reach the showpiece.
