JOHN HIGGINS is on the cusp of finally ending his four-year wait for a title today – but has revealed how his long-suffering missus will MISS it.
The 49-year-old produced a gutsy comeback from 3-1 and 5-3 down for a 6-5 triumph to end surprise package Zak Surety’s fairytale run at the World Open in Yushan.
He’s now just one win away from the 32nd ranking title that has eluded him for so long – and he’s made a storming start to the final to lead 6-2 after the first session in the first to ten shootout.
But wife Denise will be in the air when he takes to the table against Joe O’Connor chasing the £175,000 top prize, as she jets out to be with her hubby for next week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.
Relieved Higgins, who made a brave 72 clearance from 41-0 down in the decider, admitted: “I feel great.
“It’s a shame, though, because my missus is coming to Hong Kong and she’s going to be flying during the final.
“We didn’t work that out right, did we? Hopefully when she lands I’ll have a chance of winning the title.
“I felt amazing as I was clearing up there at the end. I have been on the wrong end of so many tight ones lately.
“I’m proud because I potted a good red into the middle to start the break.
“They’re horrible shots when you’re under pressure. I held myself together to clear up. I’m proud of myself.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if I’m believing I can win it. In a way, I’m more hoping.
“I believe I’m good enough, but to get the job done is a different thing.”
Higgins found himself 3-1 down at the interval after world No 89 Surety pinched the fourth frame on the black with a break of 65.
The Scot, currently 13th in the rankings, charged back to level with runs of 113 and 94.
Surety put himself one frame away from a special maiden final with a break of 56.
But Higgins once again hauled himself back level to force a decider with a visit of 72. Surety got in first in the final frame, but saw his chance end on a break of 41 and he ruefully watched on as Higgins coolly clinched his spot in the showpiece with another 72 run.
Higgins, who has lost his last five finals, said: “Zak will be absolutely pig sick after that.
“He was by far the better player. He had some good chances. I know how it feels.
“I’ve been on the wrong end of those heartbreaking defeats in the past few years.
“I sympathise, I really do. I didn’t say anything to him at the end. There’s nothing I could say that would be consoling.
“But I’m more than delighted to be in the final.
“I was just trying to stay positive because Zak was outplaying me. I’m really proud of myself.”
O’Connor stands in the way of Higgins tasting sweet success once more.
The Leicester potter, a former Scottish Open runner-up, beat Ali Carter 6-3 with breaks of 75, 73, 68 and 62 to reach his second career final.
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