Higgins on cue for final say

John Higgins is closing in on a Betfred world championship final place after stretching his lead to four frames over Barry Hawkins in their semifinal in Sheffield yesterday. The Wishaw Wizard showed off all his experience and match play ability, winning five of the eight frames on offer to lead 10-6 ahead of today’s double stint. The veteran Scot had admitted he doubted whether he would ever reach the one-table setup again after a barren six seasons since the last of his four world titles. But he looks on course to meet either Mark Selby or Ding Junhui, as long as he can maintain his current level of play or Hawkins does not spring a surprise today. With Ronnie O’Sullivan now out of the tournament following his surprise defeat by Ding in the last eight, Higgins is now many people’s tip to lift the title once more. But he showed no signs of stress, leading 5-3 overnight heading into yesterday’s second session. Defending champion Mark Selby was pegged back to 12-12 last night by China’s Ding Junhui in their gripping last-four tie between the players who contested last year’s final. Selby looked set to carry a lead over Ding into the third and final day of their contestas he nudged him 12-10 ahead but Ding fired consecutive runs of 117 and 128 to draw level overnight.

Watch the snooker world championship Live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player, with Colin Murray and analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.

IN CONTROL: John Higgins in his match against Barry Hawkins