John Higgins equals Ronnie O’Sullivan record by reaching World Open quarter-finals

John Higgins beat Zhou Yuelong 5-4 at the World Open in China to equal Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record of reaching 146 ranking event quarter-finals.

Higgins was 4-2 down and battling illness in Yushan before he made breaks of 60 and 74 to level the match and then knocked in a 72 in the decider to claim victory.

Scotland’s four-time world champion, who turns 50 in May, said with a smile: “One more [quarter-final] to go to 147 would be nice.

“I’ve had a good career and a long career and maybe that’s why I’ve managed to rack up some of those numbers.

“I’m proud to still be going. I still love competing out there and I’d dearly love to win a big event. That’s what I’m trying my hardest to do.”

Higgins will play Pang Junxu, who beat Chinese compatriot Xu Si 5-2, in the last eight on Thursday.

England’s Zak Surety secured a 5-2 win against China’s Liu Hongyu to reach his first ranking event quarter-final and will play Tom Ford, who beat Jimmy Robertson 5-3 in an all-English tussle.

England’s recent Masters champion Shaun Murphy beat China’s Ding Junhui 5-2 and will play Joe O’Connor, who followed up his victory over Judd Trump with a 5-3 win against fellow English cueman Michael Holt.

Barry Hawkins was a 5-3 winner against Welshman Ryan Day. Hawkins, enjoying a strong season, will next play fellow experienced Englishman Ali Carter who saw off fellow countryman David Lilley 5-1.