Mark Williams has secured his place in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals after a thrilling 13-12 victory over long-time rival John Higgins at the Crucible.
The 50-year-old Welshman has reached the single-table set-up for the eighth time in his career.
Williams becomes the oldest semi-finalist in the tournament since Ray Reardon made the final four at the age of 52 back in 1985.
Higgins, however, was left regretful.
Mark Williams has secured his place in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals after a thrilling 13-12 victory over long-time rival John Higgins at the Crucible
PA
"I had the chance on the blue. It was difficult and you're struggling to see the pockets at the end of the game," he told the BBC.
"He potted a great blue, pink, black so every credit to him. He's a great champion.
"I still felt good going into the last frame. Mark had a great pot and I thought he would do what he always does, then I had a chance but I could only make 30.
"It's tough, then I made a bad safety when I was in control of the frame. I got my chance but I couldn't take it.
"I've had a good season, the atmosphere out there was incredible, a standing ovation walking in. There's no better place to play, win or lose."
The contest featured dramatic momentum swings that kept spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
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What a finish. WHAT A SPORT!
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2025
Two legends playing out an unforgettable decider.
The Crucible creates some strange magic #HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/7EoxNaKbEh
Higgins looked dominant in the early stages, racing to a 5-1 lead in the opening session.
Williams showed his resilience by claiming the final two frames of that session to stay in touch at 5-3.
The Welsh Potting Machine then found his rhythm on Tuesday evening, making breaks of 92, 50, 62 and 65.
This impressive display of potting allowed the three-time world champion to level the match at 8-8.
The evening session set up an intriguing final showdown for Wednesday morning.
The quick turnaround saw both veterans back at the table by 10am on Wednesday, with Williams maintaining his momentum.
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Higgins struggled, making costly mistakes despite having chances in all four frames before the mid-session interval.
Williams capitalised ruthlessly, winning all four frames with impressive runs of 73, 53 and 52.
This devastating spell of play pushed the Welshman into a commanding 12-8 lead.
The Wizard of Wishaw found himself in deep trouble, needing to win five consecutive frames to avoid elimination.
Higgins returned from the mid-session interval with renewed determination, reaching 49 on a maximum attempt before missing a tricky black.
The Scot eventually got across the line and then made his highest break of the match, a superb 94, to pile pressure on Williams.
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With the Welshman needing just one frame for victory, Higgins continued his fightback.
Williams made a costly error, catching the blue with his arm while potting a red.
Higgins capitalised with a brilliant break of 114, reducing the deficit to 12-11.
Another half-century from the Scot forced a deciding frame, with the Crucible crowd giving both legends a fantastic reception.
The deciding frame was filled with drama as Higgins established a 52-25 lead, seemingly on course for victory.
Mark Williams was delighted after beating John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship
PA
A safety error from the Scot allowed Williams back to the table, however, where he edged ahead before laying a snooker.
Higgins fought back, potting the final red and advancing to the blue, which would have secured victory.
In a heart-stopping moment, he rattled the blue in the jaws of the pocket.
Williams stepped in to clear the remaining colours, sinking the final black to complete his remarkable victory.
He will now advance to face either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals.
