Matthew Stevens beats John Higgins 3-0 to win Premier League Snooker opening night – Snooker news
The current world number 14, Matthew Stevens, has won the Premier League Snooker opening night, as the Welshman defeated the reigning world champion, John Higgins, by a frame score of 3-0 in a best-of-five frame final match.
It was an accomplishing performance from Stevens, as he held his nerves to register an impressive win over the current world number two player, Higgins, who is also a four-time Crucible winner.
Stevens finished the match within 29 minutes and in the meanwhile, he showcased classy breaks of 91, 95 and 35. The overall score-line however between both players was 18-91 (Stevens 91), 0-95 (Stevens 95) and 10-65 (Stevens 35).
In the opening frame, first chance fell for the Wizard of Wishaw, Higgins, but he could only manage a break of 18 and when the chance presented itself, Stevens slotted a magnificent break of 91 to clinch the opener 1-0.
Second frame was over within a blink of an eye, as Stevens fired a carving break of 95 to further increase his lead at 2-0.
Higgins, who previously outplayed six-time Crucible finalist, Jimmy White, in the semi-final, had his chances in the third frame but snooker did not come for him and Stevens finished the matters off with a modest break of 35.
Stevens, who was playing for the first time since 2002, was very happy with his win. He said since it is only a race to 3 frames it was never easy for anyone but he is excited he has won.
Stevens in the end revealed he is now looking forward towards the Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan, who will be facing him next.
He said, “It's a short format and there are ten great players so it's always going to be tough, said Stevens. “ You don't expect to win 3-0 twice as these once these guys get in they generally win the frame but luckily they missed a few balls and it's a
funny game snooker.”
“In fact, I haven't been in the Premier League for nine years so I watched it on Thursday nights and I'm so happy to be in it. I'm working hard and looking forward to the next one against Ronnie O'Sullivan,” added Stevens.
Tags: