UKPTC4

John Higgins lifted the Kay Suzanne Memorial Trophy in a repeat of the Shanghai Masters final, defeating Judd Trump 4-2. Trump went into the final as slight favourite after impressing during the days’ matches and was 2-1 ahead after the first three frames. However, just as he did in Shanghai, Higgins mounted a comeback and after winning a close fourth frame, went 3-2 up by taking frame five. Recent International Championship winner Trump had a chance early in the next frame but cold only make 22. Higgins knocked in a 62 before sealing victory following a safety exchange to claim the £10,000 prize. He was presented the trophy by the parents of Paul Cliffe, who runs the South West Snooker Academy, in memory of their daughter who lost her battle with cancer ten years ago.

Higgins very nearly didn’t reach the final though as a spirited comeback from Anthony Hamilton almost saw him snatch a spot in the final. Higgins seemed to be cruising to a 4-0 victory but broke down in the fourth frame which Hamilton managed to steal. The Nottingham potter took the next two to force a decider but was unable to win the frame, allowing the Wizard of Wishaw to sneak a 4-3 victory. Trump meanwhile, had a much easier semi-final after easing past Ding Junhui 4-1.

He also made short work of Mark Joyce although the world number 51 battled his way to win a few frames, but ultimately lost 4-2. Ding had beaten Mark Williams 4-2 in his Quarter whilst John Higgins needed a decider to beat Barry Hawkins. There was also a final frame decider as Anthony Hamilton upstaged Mark Selby to book his place in the semis.