John Higgins reclaims Welsh Open 2011 after beating Stephen Maguire – Snooker news
John Higgins has won the Welsh Open 2011 title playing against Stephen Maguire by a score of 9-6 in best-of-seventeen frames final.
Higgins had also won the Welsh Open 12 months back and he successfully defended his title.
It was a very well played final from both ends although missing was seen but Stephen Maguire in the first half played so well that till the fourth frame he had 100% potting ratio. However, on the other side Higgins was seen missing a few crucial balls.
In the first frame, Stephen did not give his opponent any balls to pot and with a couple of quick breaks, 59 and 24, won the opening frame 1-0. Following frame was also taken by Maguire with dominant break of 53 although Higgins was given with a chance but
he could not pull the frame.
Stephen was leading by 2-0 before the world number one replied with a classy break of 120 in the third to comeback within one frame 2-1.
However, Stephen had no reeling effects as he also made 89 in the next to lead once again by 3-1. He again was the first on a run in the next but broke at 58 giving a chance. Higgins responded with a magnificent 72 this time making the scores 3-2.
Stephen who was looking for his first ranking event in three years by putting the missed shots out of his mind took the next two straight with dominant breaks of 76 in the 6th and a couple of small ones in the 7th.
Stephen Maguire was looking in a total control in the first session as he was leading Higgins by 5-2 now which could have easily been 6-2. But a kick on the black gave Higgins an excellent chance, as the balls were all open for the recovery and with a break
of 70 the scores were made 5-3 by the end of the first session.
On resuming the second half both players got a very warm welcome. Maguire made a break of 52 before he went out of position and on getting a chance, the first frame of the evening session was taken by Higgins 6-4.
Higgins is renowned for his great comebacks. He had won against Williams in UK Championship 2010 when he was trailing him by 5-9 but then eventually won 10-9 in the end. He has the ability to win matches from hopeless situations.
Higgins proved himself once again as in the evening session he won six frames out of seven. He took the first four frames in a go dominating them with break of 63, 75 and a couple of small ones. He was lucky although in the 9th frame
because Maguire had a chance to steal it but a miss on the last pink that was needed and gifted the frame to Higgins.
Maguire tried pulling back the frames back but could only had the twelfth with a break of 75 before Higgins 55 and 66 in the next one to seal his victory by 9-6.
John Higgins has taken the lucrative trophy of the Welsh Open again however Stephen Maguire has won the runner-up’s 15,000 pounds.
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