O’Sullivan showed his true class by praising Higgins afterwards and ending the match somewhat abruptly when Higgins sank a tricky red into the middle pocket. The Rocket conceded to spark huge celebrations from his opponent, who booked a spot in the quarter-finals against either Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin.
As he sat down for a chat with the broadcaster, Higgins said “I came to party at last” and brought a huge laugh out of the trio analysing the match.
Looking back on one of the most exciting matches to ever take place at the Crucible, Higgins added: “That was brilliant. I wasn’t too despondent after that first session.
“I know my cue ball wasn’t great and playing Ronnie, his cue ball is pinpoint and it can demoralise you, but I was 6-2 down and I told the family if I win the next two frames I had a chance. That was all I concentrated on.
“I came out last night and gave myself a chance. The table has recovered and played a lot better today as well. Ronnie plays with different chalk and that makes it difficult, and makes the pockets seem tighter than they appear to be.”
Higgins admitted that he was worried about his opponent, who established a huge lead in the first session through supreme break-building and cue ball control among the reds, and was forced to adapt his game.
“At times it was the best I’ve ever seen Ronnie hit the balls,” Higgins said. “He was cueing it so well. I was intentionally opening the balls up playing my safety shots because he’s better than me at safety, playing the flicks, so I was hoping he would miss a long one then it would sit for me.
“The breaks he made to make 12-12 were incredible. You are just sitting there and admiring it. I just felt if I could get in I would have a chance. It’s only the second round – that’s the way I was looking at it. A great match, but it’s the second round. I need a rest but it’s only one sleep and then right back into it.”
O’Sullivan returned the compliments to his fellow Class of 92 member, adding: “John played well and deserved his win. He’s got a chance of winning the championship if he keeps playing like he did in that session.
“I went into the pack and left myself a difficult red in that final frame, but I probably wasn’t the best player over the match anyway.
“I feel like I am enjoying my game and in a better place this month than I have been for a few years but I just missed too many key balls.”