Davis Stuns Higgins In Lommel
Mark Davis produced his best snooker of the season so far to beat an in form John Higgins 4-1 at the 888sport European Masters in Lommel.
The 2012 UK Championship semi-finalist Davis holds an impressive record against Higgins. He’s now won five of their last six ranking event meetings, including wins at the UK Championship and World Championship. Higgins, who took his ranking title tally to 29 with victory at the recent Indian Open, will have to wait for tournament win number 30.
The Scot came from 56-1 down to steal the first frame with a trademark clearance of 58. However, that was as good as it got for Higgins with Davis responding and reeling off four frames on the bounce. The 45-year-old made breaks of 53, 80 and 92 on his way victory.
“I’m over the moon,” said the two-time Six Red World Champion. “Everyone tells me I have a good record against John. I think it is just because I have so much respect for him. You know if you don’t turn up and play well you are going to get smashed.”
Mark Selby emerged from a bruising encounter with Lyu Haotian 4-3 to secure his place in tomorrow’s last 16.
The Jester from Leicester put on a break building masterclass yesterday evening, making four centuries as he blew away Zhao Xintong 4-1. He once again played some spectacular snooker this evening, but Lyu led from the front and refused to wilt under the pressure applied by the World Champion.
The Chinese teenager opened with a run of 88, but was pegged back immediately by Selby, who crafted an 89 break to restore parity. The free flowing pace of the tie continued as Lyu moved clear once more thanks to a contribution of 84. He looked set to move one from victory, leading 62-0 in the fourth frame, before Selby produced a stunning clearance of 68 with three reds positioned on the cushion.
The 19-year-old did get to three first, before Selby responded with a century run of 111 to take the game to a final frame. At odds with the rest of the match, the decider descended into a safety battle. Selby emerged from it victorious and booked his last 16 clash with Jack Lisowski.
Selby said: “It was one of those games where there didn’t deserve to be a loser. Every time he got a chance he punished me. He showed great bottle and was wandering round the table as if he was playing at his local club.
“You can always have a game where you go mental for a few frames, but tonight I was asked a question and I still stood up and produced which was nice.”
Luca Brecel overcame Chris Wakelin 4-1 as the Belgian stepped up his bid to claim ranking silverware on home soil.
Brecel, who won his maiden title at the recent China Championship, enjoyed a more comfortable win today after requiring final frame deciders to win his opening two matches. He has a remarkable record in final frames this season, having won all of the nine he has appeared in.
Defending champion Judd Trump survived a scare to edge past Martin O’Donnell 4-3.
O’Donnell took the opening frame with a run of 70 and was getting the better of the safety exchanges as he established a 3-1 lead. However, Trump forced his way back into the match and made two century breaks of 106 and 110 on his way to a narrow victory.
Triple Crown winner Neil Robertson defeated 2002 World Champion Peter Ebdon 4-0 to set up a mouth watering last 16 clash with Mark Williams. The Welshman booked his spot by defeating Ross Muir 4-3 on the final black.
Mark Allen produced a rapid string of breaks to beat 1994 Masters winner Alan McManus 4-1. The Pistol 76,141 and 56 on his way to the win.
For full results click here.