John Higgins breaks down in tears in emotional interview after beating Mark Selby to win Tour Championship

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as John Higgins wins Tour Championship

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 07/04/2025

- 08:23

The 49-year-old was too strong for his rival on Sunday night

John Higgins fought back tears after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Mark Selby 10-8 in the Tour Championship final in Manchester.

The 49-year-old Scot recovered from 8-5 down to win five consecutive frames in a performance he later described as his "best-ever win".


The emotional victory continues Higgins' impressive form ahead of the World Championship, which begins on April 19.

His vintage display included a record eight centuries in the best-of-19 match.

John Higgins

John Higgins fought back tears after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Mark Selby 10-8 in the Tour Championship final in Manchester

ITV/GETTY

Higgins had initially dominated the match, racing to a 5-1 lead on Sunday before Selby mounted a stunning comeback.

The four-time world champion Selby then won seven consecutive frames to surge ahead 8-5, leaving Higgins shellshocked.

But the resilient Scot refused to surrender, shifting into a higher gear to reclaim the lead.

He finished the match in style with a 132 clearance to complete his remarkable turnaround against one of snooker's toughest competitors.

JUST IN: Pep Guardiola lets rip at Man United fans after vile chants about Phil Foden's mum - 'Lack of class'

The victory earned Higgins the top prize of £150,000 plus an additional £10,000 high break bonus.

This triumph marks his second ranking title in as many months, following his World Open win against Joe O'Connor on March 1.

In his post-match interview with ITV, Higgins opened up on the significance of his victory against Selby.

"You are playing a monster of a player. To be 5-1 up and to be frozen out to be 8-5 behind, you don't come back and win five in a row against Mark Selby normally," he told interviewer Rob Walker.

READ MORE:Novak Djokovic reveals new coach after admitting he 'has no idea' where Andy Murray is

"It is my best-ever win. Never mind world titles or UK titles.

"He's an unbelievable champion, and my best ever win."

Higgins became visibly emotional when interviewer Walker mentioned his family's presence in the crowd.

The former world No. 1 was unable to respond as tears began to flow.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

The interview concluded with Walker embracing the emotional champion.

"You never know if these games are ever going to come around again," Higgins had reflected earlier.

"In the last three or four years, I was probably doubting myself very much, so to actually get over the hill and then to be back challenging these great players, I am very proud."

John Higgins

John Higgins kisses his wife, Denise Higgins, after beating Mark Selby to win the Tour Championship in Manchester on Sunday

GETTY

Higgins will now turn his attention to the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre, which starts on April 19.

History suggests a challenging path ahead, as no player has ever won both the Tour Championship and World Championship in the same year.

However, few competitors will relish facing Higgins in his current form.