John Higgins equals Ronnie O’Sullivan record by reaching World Open quarter-finals
John Higgins beat Yuelong 5-4 at the World Open in China to reach a record of 146 ranking quarterfinals with Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Higgins fought Yushan’s illness 4-2, then he rested 60 and 74 to balance the game before defeating the game in 72 of the Decider to claim victory.
Scotland’s four-time world champion turned 50 in May and said with a smile: “It would be nice to go to 147 after another (quarter-final)”.
“My career is good, my career is long, maybe that’s why I managed to raise some of these numbers.
“I’m proud of being still going. I still love to compete and I really like to win big games. That’s what I try hardest to do.”
Higgins will play Pang Junxu in the last eight games on Thursday, beating his fellow Chinese Xu Si 5-2.
England’s Zak Surety beat China’s Liu Hongyu 5-2 to reach his first quarterfinals and will play Tom Ford, who beat Jimmy Robertson 5-3 in the all-English battle.
England’s recent master champion Shaun Murphy defeated China’s Ding Junhui 5-2 and will play Joe O’Connor, who followed his victory against Judd Trump with a 5-3 win over British Cooman Michael Holt.
Barry Hawkins won 5-3 in Welshman Ryan Day. Hawkins enjoys a strong season, next to playing experienced British man Ali Carter, who was out 5-1 with fellow countryman David Lilley.
