FOUR-TIME world snooker champion John Higgins was dumped out of the British Open semi-finals in a major upset.
World No57 Anthony McGill stunned his fellow Scotsman to reach his first final in EIGHT YEARS – and victory means he no longer has to consider swapping careers.
Anthony McGill reached his first final in eight years with victory over Higgins[/caption]
John Higgins watches on as his hopes of a British Open title fade[/caption]
McGill, who had been in grave danger of relegation from the World Snooker Tour, beat his compatriot 6-3 on Saturday evening.
Speaking prior to beating Higgins on Saturday, McGill admitted he fears having to pack it in and begin a new career driving LORRIES.
He said: “My ranking was dropping so much and I thought I would be driving a lorry next year.
“This will help me continue playing snooker as a job.”
The win ensures he returns to the top 50, have dropped down to 57th from a career high of 12 three years ago.
He had not reached a semi-final for THREE YEARS prior to this weekend, let alone a final.
He won the Indian Open in 2016, and the Snooker Shoot Out in 2017, but his last ranking final was the Indian Open in the same year.
McGill and Shaun Murphy will go head-to-head in Sunday’s final, with a £100,000 prize on the line for the winner.
Murphy knocked out reigning champion Mark Selby in Saturday’s second semi-final.
McGill, who credits losing weight since the World Championships with his turnaround in form, said: “Tomorrow is a shot to nothing.
“This is my biggest ever achievement. I don’t consider the Shoot Out or Indian Open final a ranking event, so this is basically my first one.”
Higgins, 50, was hoping to become the oldest winner of a ranking title but rued his missed chances, including an ‘unforgivable’ miss.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
He said: “Anthony hit the ball superbly well, like the way we all know he can.
“A big turning point was the fourth frame when I missed an unforgivable red with the rest with the balls at my mercy.
“Then, in the last frame, I butchered a red to the middle. But every credit to Anthony, he finished the match off very well.”
