No final flourish for Higgins as Fu is home hero
John Higgins suffered heartbreak yesterday as he missed out on today’s Hong Kong Masters final.
The four-time world champion lost 6-5 as home hero Marco Fu hit a maximum 147 in front of his adorning fans at the Coliseum.
Fu treated the bumper record crowd, which is set to be eclipsed by 9,000 fans for the final, to a fairytale finish with the fifth 147 of his career.
The Hong Kong potter feared his career was over after laser eye surgery and has slipped to 100th in the world rankings due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.
And fallen Scot Higgins admitted: “Normally I’m bitterly disappointed losing, but if I could lose to someone in this tournament then it would be Marco with everything he’s been through in the last two or three years.
“The way he’s finished it off was incredible. He’s such a lovely fella.
“It couldn’t have worked out any better for the tournament and for the Hong Kong people that they are going to see one of their own players in the final.
“It will be an unbelievable occasion. I actually think I’ll come over and watch it.
“Normally I wouldn’t watch a final when I’ve lost. But I think it’s a special place.”
Higgins hit breaks of 105, 50, 68, 83, 91 and 105 to lead 4-2 and 5-3.
But the inspired home favourite forced a decider with match runs of 75, 72, 70 and 61 before signing off in style with a famous 147 to pocket the £10,000 highest break prize.
And he’s now gunning for glory on home soil.
Meanwhile, world champion and world No. 1 Ronnie O’sullivan produced a stunning comeback to keep his Hong Kong Masters title-hopes alive.
The Rocket bravely fought back from 4-1 down to beat Aussie ace Neil Robertson 6-4 in the other semi-final showdown.
World No. 3 Robertson pocketed three centuries in-a row – 135, 105 and 100 – as he powered ahead at this year’s inaugural ranking event.
But seven-time world champion O’sullivan showed his class with match breaks of 105, 104, 93, 72 and 52 as he moved within one victory of the £100,000 first prize.