Iran's Hossein Vafaei produced the biggest shock of this year's World Snooker Championship, defeating world number one Judd Trump 13-12 in a final-frame decider at the Crucible Theatre. Trailing 10-7 and then 12-11, Vafaei showed immense composure to rattle off a break of 91 in the 25th frame, securing his first quarter-final appearance in Sheffield.
Trump, the 2019 champion, was left to rue missed opportunities as Vafaei's resilience paid off. The Iranian received a standing ovation and warm congratulations from his opponent. 'He's such a tough opponent. I respect him on and off the table,' Vafaei said. 'I've been working on the mental side, I've wanted to be calmer and perform. It's better to sometimes shut your mouth and let the game come out.'
In another dramatic match, Ronnie O'Sullivan's bid for a record eighth Crucible crown was shattered by John Higgins, who fought back from 9-4 down to win 13-12. Higgins fired three centuries in the final session, completing a stunning turnaround. O'Sullivan admitted he had booked a flight home early on Monday, expecting to lose with a session to spare. 'I was realistic about my chances,' he said. 'I was shocked I was able to make a game of it.'
Higgins described the victory as one of the best of his career. 'It's got to be up there,' he said. 'The atmosphere was incredible. I felt like a rabbit in the headlights, but I'm delighted I came to the party in the third session.'
Elsewhere, Mark Selby suffered a 13-11 defeat to China's Wu Yize, though he criticised the playing conditions, calling them 'the worst I've experienced here at the world championship'. Selby pushed his younger opponent all the way but ultimately fell short.
