Wizard hails Chinese whizzkid as the new Davis
JOHN HIGGINS labelled Yan Bingtao a “young Steve Davis” after the Scot’s quest for a 30th ranking title ended at the International Championship in China.
The 2015 champion will have to wait to reach a milestone only Stephen Hendry has achieved after losing 6-2 to Yan in their quarter-final. And Higgins, who idolised six- times world champ Davis growing up, heaped praise on the 17-year-old wonderkid.
The Wizard of Wishaw said: “Watching him play is like watching a young Steve.
“He will be a future world champion no problem, he’s that good.
“I really didn’t feel like I played any part in the match, he totally outplayed me. He fully deserved the scoreline so fair play and good luck to him.
“His tactical game was good, when he broke down he played some good safety.”
Home favourite Yan will take on Mark Allen in tomorrow’s semi-final.
The Northern Irish ace edged a thrilling clash with Judd Trump, winning 6-5.
And Allen said: “That’s the third decider in a row I’ve come through so I’ve shown my battling qualities.
“They can make or break your season these deciders. I was on the wrong side of a few earlier this season but I’m on the right side now.”
Allen knows he faces a tough task against Yan and said: “He’s an unbelievable talent. We’ve all seen how well he has been playing.”
In today’s last-four clash Englishmen Mark Selby and Martin Gould will do battle.
World champion Selby saw off Robbie Williams 6-2 while Gould beat two-times Crucible finalist Ali Carter 6-5 in a tense clash.