Scotland's John Higgins survived a thrilling semi-final to claim a 17-13 victory over Mark Allen and reach his sixth BetFred World Championship final in Sheffield yesterday.
Higgins, who was at one stage 13-3 ahead, regained his composure when it mattered most to deny the Irishman from completing what would have been one of the biggest upsets in world championship history.
The grand prix champion dropped the first frame of the final day's play when Allen recorded a break of 106 and the storm clouds hung over Higgins as he closed to 15-12. But Higgins, renowned for his fighting qualities, had a break of 116 to lead by four with five to play and while Allen won the first of those, a yellow to pink clearance carried the former champion to victory in the next.
Yet Allen had looked certain to force at least one more frame when Higgins missed an easy black off its spot with his break on 60. The former world amateur champion went back to the table to construct a break of 44 only to miss a simple blue trying to hold for position on the yellow.
It was all over now as Higgins did what he had to do in what was his sixth world championship semi-final.
Both players will remember this match and Higgins - looking tired and jaded as his two 13-12 victories in previous rounds finally caught up with him - was no doubt relieved that he is not in action again until 2pm today when the first eight of the 35 frames final will be played.
In the other semi-final, Shaun Murphy took a 14-10 lead against Neil Robertson.
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The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
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Three stars
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Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
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Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
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Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm