John Higgins came from behind to dramatically beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in a final-frame decider and reach the final of the English Open in Milton Keynes against Neil Robertson.
Higgins was behind 4-2 and 5-3 but, after O’Sullivan missed a red along the cushion, the Scot levelled up the match at 5-5.
In a tense decider, both players spurned chances to win it, with O’Sullivan missing a routine black off its spot before Higgins, who rattled a simple green with the finish line in sight, eventually took his opportunity.
"We were both gone in the last frame," Higgins told Eurosport after reaching his 53rd ranking final.
"It is a tough game. I know sometimes the top players make it look easy, Ronnie more than anyone, but it is a tough game when you are out there with the pressure on.
"I am delighted to get over the line. It is still as special as the first time I played him as a professional. It is always the ultimate test to play Ronnie. I thought it was a decent match up until the last couple of frames, then Ronnie dropped his standard and allowed me back in a little bit."
O’Sullivan remained upbeat despite his defeat, saying: "It’s just the way it goes. John deserved his victory and played well in the end so there’s not a lot you can do about it.
"I refuse to get disappointed. I’ve had a great week. It will go down as a smiley face and a good week. It has been good fun and nice to be involved in some good matches."
The evening’s semi-final was another tense affair, with King leading 4-2 before Robertson hit back.
A missed blue by King in the eighth frame, on the verge of going 5-3 up and to within a frame of victory, proved crucial as the Australian pinched that frame, took the next with his second century of the match and then wrapped it up with an 84.
