John Higgins was overcome with emotion after producing one of the greatest clearances in snooker history in a stunning round of 16 World Snooker Championship win over Mark Allen.
With the score at 12-12, the Scot found himself 62-0 down in the final frame against Allen at the iconic Crucible in Sheffield.
Allen missed a red on break to give Higgins a lifeline and he produced a sensational sequence under pressure.
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The Wizard of Wishaw turned it on and conjured up a 71 clearance which included a stunning double and the tremendous potting of two reds.
When he put away the black to reach the last eight and collect a cool £50,000, Higgins was immediately emotional as he looked to the skies and celebrated while the audience erupted in applause.
Afterwards, the 48-year-old admitted to having a cry in his dressing room after coming up clutch with a sensational performance.
Speaking to the BBC, Higgins said: "That was crazy wasn’t it?
“That clearance was probably the best [I’ve had] when I think about everything I’ve been through the last couple of years, when falling at hurdles.
“So to do that with the biggest pressure. I actually felt great and I’m thinking ‘I have to go for the double’.
“Mark [Allen] has so much bottle. When he’s on that break I thought he’d done it again.
"I think I’ve still got it. I gave myself a chance with a new cue and that’s given me a bit of confidence and I fancied having a go at my shots.
“I’ve loved being out here. I’ve loved playing here and I’m proud of myself. It means a lot.
“I’ll give myself a pat on the back, I’m pretty good under pressure!”
Higgins is one of the most decorated snooker players of all-time, with only Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis ahead of him in triple crown titles.
The four-time world champion will take on Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals.
Topics: Snooker
Josh Lawless