Higgins Falls to Wakelin in International Championship Quarter-Finals

John Higgins, a four-time world champion, was defeated by Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals of the International Championship in Nanjing. This loss occurred after the deciding frame of their match was postponed for several hours. The best-of-11 frame contest was tied at 5-5 when the referee declared the afternoon session concluded. This decision visibly displeased Higgins, who gestured and appeared to swear before departing the table. Following the evening session, when play eventually recommenced, 32-year-old Wakelin achieved a break of 62, securing a 6-5 victory. This marked his third consecutive win against a former world champion in Nanjing, located in eastern China. This defeat for the 49-year-old Scotsman, Higgins, means he fails to qualify for the upcoming Champion of Champions event scheduled for next week in Bolton. Wakelin, who had previously overcome Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams in earlier rounds, is set to compete against China’s Xiao Guodong in the semi-finals. Guodong advanced by defeating Wales’ Jackson Page 6-4. Additionally, China’s Ding Junhui has progressed to the semi-finals, achieving breaks of 129 and 123 en route to a 6-4 victory against Kyren Wilson. Junhui is scheduled to play against his compatriot Xu Si, who secured his spot by defeating Gary Wilson 6-5.