EMOTIONAL John Higgins secured a dramatic Crucible win late into the night and confessed: “I’m proud of myself.”
The Wizard of Wishaw broke down in tears after a sensational 71 clearance saw him battle back to knock out Mark Allen in a final frame decider.
With the pair locked together at 12-12, Allen – world number three – missed a crucial red on a break of 62 to hand Higgins a route back in.
He obliged with a sensational double into the centre pocket.
Allen would later miss a decisive green as the pair got to the colours and when the three-pointer fell kindly for Higgins, he tucked it away and cleared the table.
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The Scot – a few weeks out from his 49th birthday – raised his arms in delight and looked immediately, visually emotional as he shared words with his opponent.
Speaking after admitting to a cry in his dressing room, he told BBC: “That was crazy wasn’t it?
“That clearance was probably the best [I’ve had] when I think about everything I’ve been through the last couple of years, when falling at hurdles.
“So to do that with the biggest pressure. I actually felt great and I’m thinking ‘I have to go for the double’.
“Mark [Allen] has so much bottle. When he’s on that break I thought he’d done it again.
“He’s a gentleman, he’ll be devastated. But he said some nice words.
“I think I’ve still got it. I gave myself a chance with a new cue and that’s given me a bit of confidence and I fancied having a go at my shots.
“I’ve loved being out here. I’ve loved playing here and I’m proud of myself. It means a lot.
“I’ll give myself a pat on the back, I’m pretty good under pressure!”
Higgins has banked a cool £50,000 for reaching the last eight and is in with a strong chance of keeping his top 16 spot.
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