John Higgins v Oliver Lines live stream | British Open 2024 Semi-Final preview
Higgins has a first ranking final in nearly two-and-a-half years in sight (Sipa USA / Alamy Stock Photo)
John Higgins locks horns with Oliver Lines in the first of this year’s British Open semi-finals at The Centaur in Cheltenham on Saturday.
The two players are separated by 20 years, while there is also a gulf in experience at this stage of ranking events.
Indeed, while this Higgins’ 85th ranking semi-final appearance of his illustrious career, Lines finds himself in uncharted territory.
A four-time British Open champion – in 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004 – Higgins is well on course for a fifth triumph in the event.
The Wizard had already seen off Ross Muir, Shaun Murphy, Graeme Dott and Rory Thor this week, before hitting breaks of 132 and 102 in his 5-1 victory over Elliot Slessor in the quarter-finals.
Higgins now seeks his first ranking final appearance since the 2022 Tour Championship, where he infamously let a 9-4 lead slip against Neil Robertson in the final, and the Scot has prevailed in each of his four previous meetings with Lines.
The left-hander from Leeds is gearing up for the biggest match of his career to date following a timely upturn in fortunes.
Lines won just two of his first eight matches this season before defeating Scott Donaldson and Robert Milkins on the way to reaching the English Open last 32 earlier this month.
And he has built on that momentum in Cheltenham, coming through four deciders as well as defeating rising star Stan Moody 4-1.
Having already battled past Lei Peifan, Ka Wai Cheung and Sunny Akani, Lines then held his nerve against Crucible finalist Jak Jones in the last eight, producing a break of 75 to get over the line in the decisive frame.
The world number 99 will need to bring all of those battling qualities to the table as he gets set to face the four-time champion of the world.
A showdown with either Mark Allen or Mark Selby awaits the winner of this clash in Sunday’s final.
Play gets under way at 1pm BST on Saturday and will be contested over the best of 11 frames at The Centaur in Cheltenham.
How to watch John Higgins v Oliver Lines live stream
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