The anticipation was palpable as four-time world champion John Higgins clashed with the provisional world number one, Mark Allen, in the last-16 encounter of the 2024 World Snooker Championship. Fans were treated to a spectacle that exceeded expectations, with both players showcasing their skill and determination on the green baize.

From the onset, it was evident that this would be a closely contested battle. In the first session, neither player could gain a significant advantage, leaving the score deadlocked at 4-4. The stage was set for a showdown of epic proportions as the players headed into the next phase of their duel.

As the match progressed into the second session, Mark Allen began to assert his dominance, pulling ahead with a 7-5 lead by the 13th frame. With impressive breaks of 76, 94, 80, and 74, Allen showcased his prowess on the table, leaving Higgins trailing behind.

However, John Higgins refused to be outdone. Displaying resilience and skill, Higgins launched a remarkable comeback, winning the next three frames and levelling the score at 10-10. With breaks of 55 and 64, Higgins demonstrated why he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of snooker.

Image credit: WST

In a seesaw battle, both players traded blows, with neither willing to concede an inch. Mark Allen managed to edge ahead once again, clinching a crucial frame to make it 12-11 in his favour. Despite Higgins' valiant efforts, Allen showcased nerves of steel to maintain his lead.

An incredible late exhibition red shot wasn’t enough for Allen to seal the deal in the 24^th frame, as he followed it up with a long-range green miss, which gifted Higgins a lifeline, taking the game to a one frame shootout. 

Trailing by 62 points in the final frame and against all odds, Higgins then produced one of the best breaks of his career, clearing the remaining 71 points to secure his spot in the quarterfinals and eliminate one of the tournament favourites in Mark Allen.