MARK Williams has become the oldest Snooker World Championship semi-finalist for 40 years after winning a Crucible classic.
This battle between two members of the lived up to its heavyweight billing and was decided in the 25th frame – and on the final black.
The two stars had previously met 42 times on the World Snooker Tour since turning professional over three decades ago.
And their best-of-25 frame epic went down to the final black in front of an enthralled Crucible crowd.
Williams had put together a remarkable run of five frames on the spin to put himself on the cusp of victory.
But Higgins reeled him in with a brilliant comeback, hitting breaks of 94, 76, 119 and 104 to force a decider.
The final frame looked set to go the way of the Wizard of Winshaw, but he missed the crucial final blue.
Williams rocked up to the table, sinking the final three balls to take the decider 74-69.
The match brought back memories of the pair’s greatest meeting in the 2018 final.
On that occasion, it was Williams who won a thriller 18-16.
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