Snooker: Maguire Rocks Higgins in Opening Session

Stephen Maguire won three of the opening four frames to take an early lead in his semi-final against John Higgins at the world championship. Higgins was odds-on favourite to come out on top in the best-of-33-frames encounter but Maguire, back in the sort of form he showed when he burst on to the snooker scene three years ago, gave every indication he would push his opponent all the way.

Maguire, appearing in his first world semi-final, was first into his stride and a red down the rail was the opening pot in an impressive 85 break. The second frame was much closer with Higgins first in with a run of 55 before a poor safety shot allowed Maguire back in contention with a 45 before he ran out of position on the final red. Higgins, playing in his first world semi-final for six years, looked set for a comfortable clearance on the colours before unintentionally clipping the pink. But the Wizard of Wishaw did eventually level matters with a fine cut on the same ball into the yellow pocket.

Maguire then registered his sixth century in the tournament in the next to regain the initiative. He snookered Higgins behind the yellow after an initial 27 and, when he then failed to escape, took full advantage with a 102 clearance.

Maguire was looking in formidable form and made Higgins pay for another error in the final frame before the mid-session interval. Higgins failed to pot a slow red and Maguire needed no second invitation in compiling 79 before Higgins conceded and headed to the dressing rooms.