Veteran Snooker Star Secures 33rd Ranking Title with Victory Over Mark Selby

John Higgins has added another prestigious title to his remarkable career, capturing the 2025 Tour Championship with a hard-fought 10–8 victory over Mark Selby in Manchester on April 6.
The final, played at the Manchester Central venue, was a showcase of world-class snooker, with both players displaying extraordinary skill, tactical brilliance, and mental resilience.

Higgins, now 49 years old, demonstrated once again why he remains one of snooker’s most enduring and respected figures. His victory at the Tour Championship marks his 33rd career ranking title, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the sport.
The match itself was a record-setting spectacle, featuring an astonishing eight century breaks — four apiece from Higgins and Selby — tying the record for the most centuries made in a single professional match.

Selby, himself a four-time World Champion, started strong and pushed Higgins all the way. The match was evenly poised at 8–8 before Higgins found another gear, producing two magnificent frames to close out the victory. His precision on long pots, combined with superb safety play under pressure, ultimately made the difference in a contest that had the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.

Speaking after his win, Higgins expressed his joy and gratitude:
“This means a lot to me. To win such a prestigious event at this stage of my career, against a great champion like Mark, is something I’ll treasure. I’m still loving the game, and nights like this make all the hard work worthwhile.”

The win is seen by many analysts as a potential springboard for Higgins heading into the upcoming World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
A strong showing at the Tour Championship could give him the momentum and confidence needed to challenge for a fifth world title, something he has not achieved since 2011.

Selby, although disappointed, was gracious in defeat, praising Higgins’ performance:
“John was superb tonight. I gave it my best, but he was just a little bit better at the key moments. It was a pleasure to be involved in a match of such high quality.”

The Tour Championship’s move to Manchester this year was widely seen as a success, with packed crowds and a buzzing atmosphere contributing to a memorable week of snooker.
The tournament, featuring only the top eight players of the season, is renowned for its elite quality, and the 2025 edition certainly lived up to its reputation.

As the snooker season heads into its climax, Higgins’ triumph serves as a reminder of the power of experience and mental toughness at the highest level.
Throughout his long career, Higgins has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure, adapt his game to changing conditions, and outthink even the most talented opponents.
His latest victory is not just a testament to his technical skills but also to his unwavering competitive spirit, something that continues to set him apart even as the next generation rises.

While a new generation of stars is emerging, legends like John Higgins continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike with their enduring brilliance and love for the sport.
Younger players often cite Higgins as a major influence, admiring his consistency, his tactical mastery, and the sheer professionalism he brings to every match.
His ability to remain at the top level well into his late forties is rare in modern professional sports, and it highlights the depth of dedication and passion required to sustain success over decades.

With just a few weeks until the start of the 2025 World Championship, all eyes will now be on Higgins to see if he can carry this incredible form onto the game’s biggest stage once again.
A deep run at the Crucible would not only cap off a phenomenal season but could also solidify his standing as one of the sport’s greatest-ever competitors, further enriching a legacy that already commands immense respect across the snooker world.

https://www.wst.tv/news/2025/april/06/Higgins–My-Best-Ever-Win/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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