John Higgins – ‘I don’t know if I’m getting ripped apart’

John Higgins, a four-time world champion, advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Players Championship on Thursday, demonstrating remarkable resilience just one day after making his debut as a broadcaster. The Scot’s performance at the Telford International Centre underscores his continued competitive edge even as he explores opportunities beyond the baize.

A Dual Role for a Snooker Legend

Higgins spent Wednesday fulfilling commentary and punditry duties for the tournament’s new host broadcaster, alongside fellow snooker player Matthew Stevens. This foray into broadcasting represents a growing trend of established players transitioning into media roles within the sport.

Quarter-Final Victory Over Wakelin

Despite his broadcasting commitments, Higgins showed no signs of distraction, securing a 6-3 victory over Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals. The match, however, began sluggishly, with both players struggling to find form before the mid-session interval.

Higgins ultimately gained control of the match after a lengthy fifth frame, capitalizing on a break to move ahead 4-2. He acknowledged Wakelin’s improvement and respected his opponent’s recent success, noting that Wakelin was ranked higher on the one-year list.

Broadcasting Experience

Higgins described his broadcasting experience as enjoyable, particularly working with David Hendon. While he admitted uncertainty about how his commentary was received by the viewing public, he emphasized his primary focus remains on playing snooker. He stated he doesn’t monitor social media and is unaware of any public reaction.

Semi-Final Showdown Looms

Higgins will face Judd Trump in the semi-finals on Saturday, after Trump defeated Mark Williams by the same 6-3 margin. Williams had a strong start to his match, including a 141 total clearance and a 105 break, but Trump ultimately proved too strong.

Friday’s matches will determine the remaining semi-finalists, with Shaun Murphy taking on world champion Zhao Xintong and a contest between Selby and Allen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Higgins’ quarter-final match?

John Higgins defeated Chris Wakelin 6-3.

Who will Higgins play in the semi-finals?

Higgins will play Judd Trump in the semi-finals.

What did Higgins say about his broadcasting experience?

Higgins said he really enjoyed his broadcasting experience, particularly working with David Hendon, and that he enjoyed the commentary more than the studio side.

As the tournament progresses, will we see more established players embracing dual roles as both competitors and commentators?