Golden ball chance
John Higgins was on for what would be a sensational 167 break in his clash with Mark Williams.
The Scot leaving the cue ball too near the yellow when getting down to just the colours and he couldn’t convert.
Even opponent Mark Williams was nervous for him as he chased the £400,000 payday.
Higgins told EuroSport: “I actually couldn’t feel my feet, my arms or my legs!
“I walked past Mark and even he said his hands were sweating just watching!
“It was an incredible feeling but disappointing. I gave it a good go.
“I was gone, I was just thinking happy thoughts!”
Completed line-up
There we have it, the first day done and dusted.
The wildcard round and prelim round complete, we have our eight quarter finalists.
- Mark Allen vs Mark Selby – 2pm
- Luca Brecel vs Ali Carter – 4pm
- Judd Trump vs Shaun Murphy – 7pm
- Ronnie O’Sullivan vs John Higgins – 9pm
Higgins reacts
John Higgins looks visibly thrilled to reach the last eight.
He told EuroSport: “It was a great win. Any time with Mark it’s always such a tough game.
“It’s brilliant to win, I’m delighted.”
Mark Williams 2-4 John Higgins
And it’s all over! He faults on a black but it doesn’t matter as Williams skips out his chair to offer the hand of concession.
It started ever so well for Higgins and he managed to keep his foot down when it mattered to get over the line.
Two wins on the day for the Scot who must be over the moon, being a late call-up.
Mark Williams 2-3 John Higgins
Higgins should only be a couple of reds away from victory here.
He’s now 49 ahead with 59 on the table.
65-16 the score.
Mark Williams 2-3 John Higgins
This is a great chance for Higgins now, with an ongoing break of 27 putting him in the driving seat.
The reds are sitting reasonably pretty now and this 35-16 lead could extend somewhat over the course of the next 120 seconds or so.