British Open recap - John Higgins recovers from two down to beat Louis Heathcote, Shaun Murphy sets up semi-final clash with Mark Selby
Updated 26/09/2025 at 22:17 GMT+1
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Welcome to our live text coverage of the 2025 British Open quarter-finals on Friday where Shaun Murphy remained the man in form taking down Mitchell Mann 5-1 to set up a semi-final with Mark Selby, who beat fellow legend Mark Williams 5-3 in their last-eight clash. Anthony McGill next plays John Higgins in all-Scotland clash. Watch snooker throughout the year live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Veterans reach last-four in style
Shaun Murphy and John Higgins comfortably saw off their opposition to reach the semi-final stage of the British Open.
Murphy continued his imperious form racing out to a 3-0 lead and then, after Mitchell Mann pulled one back before the interval, took the next two, recording half-centuries in each of his winning frames. He now meets fellow triple-crown winner Mark Selby, who beat Mark Williams 5-3 in the afternoon session.
Higgins set up a last-four clash with fellow Scot Anthony McGill, recovering from a two-frame deficit to dominate Louis Heathcote.
The Scot hit seven breaks of over 50, including a total clearance of 135 in the penultimate frame on his way to a 5-2 victory.
McGill earlier ended the run of Stan Moody, defeating the young star 5-3.
Higgins beats Heathcote 5-2
A seventh half-century break from Higgins seals his place in the last four.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (75*-17)
A very good long pot from Higgins and that has now sealed the match for him.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (62-17)
At the second attempt, Heathcote gets out of the snooker and leaves the table safe.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (57-17)
Higgins loses position but puts Heathcote in a snooker behind the brown.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (51*-17)
The break ends at 17 and now Higgins has a chance to put the match beyond Heathcote.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (50-11*)
Higgins went in off and, with ball in hand, Heathcote pots a good long red and the table looks nicely laid out for a clearance - if he can keep his game together.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (50-0)
Heathcote will be surprised to get back to the table, but the break ends at 50, Higgins' sixth of the match.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (35*-0)
Higgins gets the black back on its spot and this looks a fine chance to win the match in this visit now.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote (1*-0)
Out of desperation, Heathcote takes on a very difficult long pot from behind the baulk line but misses the red into he bottom left corner pocket, leaving an easy start for Higgins.
Higgins 4-2 Heathcote
Total clearance in the bag, he needs just one more frame to reach a semi-final against fellow Scot Anthony McGill.
Higgins 3-2 Heathcote (101*-0)
Higgins notches the first century of the match. He looks on the way to a total clearance of 135.
Higgins 3-2 Heathcote (50*-0)
Another half century for Higgins and he is just a few pots away from moving within a frame of victory.
Higgins 3-2 Heathcote (9*-0)
A careless shot from Heathcote gives Higgins another chance and a precise pot and good black has left the table looking inviting already. 201 points without reply now!
Higgins 3-2 Heathcote
Another 52 rubber-stamps Higgins' lead. Heathcote will be glad he won the scrappy opener, he will get nothing easy from Higgins from his point onwards.
Higgins 2-2 Heathcote (67*-0)
The frame is beyond doubt after Higgins potted another red. Now he is looking for another half-century.
Higgins 2-2 Heathcote (66-0)
A superb frame-ball red from Higgins, needing to be absolutely precise to catch it in front of the black ball. Heathcote comes back to the table needing two snookers.
Higgins 2-2 Heathcote (39*-0)
Higgins has settled straight into a meaningful break in the first frame back after the interval.
Murphy beats Mann 5-1
A wonderful clearance from Murphy and even against Mark Selby, in this form, he has to be favourite to reach the final.
Murphy 4-1 Mann (46*-63)
So smooth polishing off the reds, now he just has to tuck away the colours.
Murphy 4-1 Mann (16*-63)
A Devon Loch moment, stumbling at the finish line and Murphy has the chance to race past him like E.S.B. did in the 1956 Grand National (had to look that up yes).
Murphy 4-1 Mann (0-53*)
Just a couple of pots now from forcing an seventh frame. A very composed break this.
Murphy 4-1 Mann (0-24*)
Mann is not going quietly. He opens up with a very good red into the left middle and has now created a nice opening to build a big lead.
Murphy 4-1 Mann
Murphy adds another 21 to ensure he is just one frame from a semi-final with his friend Mark Selby.
Murphy 3-1 Mann (52-6)
Murphy in control of the first frame after the interval.
Higgins 2-2 Heathcote
A break of 87 has Higgins level at the interval.
Higgins 1-2 Heathcote (45*-8)
Higgins' break ends at 44 and though Heathcote pots a fine red and black he misses the next red on the near side of the left middle. Higgins should make him pay now.
Higgins 1-2 Heathcote (28*-0)
Heathcote leaves a red in the bottom left jaws and though he covered it with the pack, Higgins rocketed home another and now looks on the way to levelling things.
Higgins 1-2 Heathcote (20-0)
Higgins loses position and it is end of break, but then Heathcote plays a very poor safety and is fortunate not to leave something on.
Murphy 3-1 Mann
Higgins 1-2 Heathcote (14*-0)
It was a good job Heathcote won the first two. Higgins is in real form now. He went around the table from a blue to be inch perfect for the red to bring the black into play.
Semi-final draw
Anthony McGill v Louis Heathcote/John Higgins
Mark Selby v Shaun Murphy/Mitchell Mann
Mark Selby v Shaun Murphy/Mitchell Mann
Higgins 1-2 Heathcote
An 87-break from Higgins halves the deficit for the four-time world champion.
Murphy 3-1 Mann
Needless to say, that was frame Mann had to win before the interval.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (43-57*)
Mann pots the blue! It was a very thin cut but he puts it away and leaves himself perfectly on the pink.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (43-52)
Murphy pots a good brown but the blue isn't on so he plays safe.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (39-52)
Such a crucial frame this. Murphy fouled and then Mann potted the green to edge the latter nearer the finish line. Looong way to go in this frame yet though.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (39-45)
Mann now in front after potting the last two reds. He is lucky not to go in off into the right middle after downing the yellow.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (39-27)
But Murphy misses the next red and is fortunate Mann ran too far after potting a red, leaving the cuter ball on the bottom cushion.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (39*-26)
Mann leaves the first chance and after a very nice blue and red, the table is now at Murphy's mercy.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (22-26)
Murphy snookers himself from the black so has to play safe. The frame is in the balance now.
Higgins 0-2 Heathcote
Heathcote playing with some panache now. He won the scrappy one and now a break of 93 puts him two in front.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (9*-26)
Mann's shot from the green leaves himself a tougher red which he then misses. Now Murphy is at the table with all but one red in a nice position.
Murphy 3-0 Mann (6-9*)
Finally a chance for Mann after Murphy misses a red after a tough blue. He pots a tough black himself then follows with a very good plant to open up an opportunity.
Murphy 3-0 Mann
No century for Murphy again as the break ends at 87, but it gives him the frame.
Murphy 2-0 Mann (92*-0)
You have to feel for Mann. He had a chance in the first frame but I don't think anyone's beating Murphy in this form.
Murphy 2-0 Mann (35*-0)
A bit of a scrappy start to the frame, but now Murphy is at the table he looks like quickly making it 3-0.
Higgins 0-1 Heathcote
A good red down the cushion secures the frame for Heathcote.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (17-54*)
Heathcote pots a good red and yellow and follows them with a more straightforward red and black. Higgins now needs a snooker.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (17-43)
Higgins pots the yellow in off, edging Heathcote further towards the frame with three reds left.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (17-39)
You feel Heathcote needs this frame as Higgins can't play this bad for long. His break comes to an end at 28 but it's worth more than that on this table.
Murphy 2-0 Mann
A break of 75 has Murphy two in front now.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (16-3)
The impasse ends with a long pot from Higgins and he follows with the green, but this is a difficult table to make progress with at least four reds tied up and the pink and black out of commission - and Higgins misses his next attempted red.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (12-3)
A prolonged period of safety as both players keep playing reds across the table and leaving the cue ball near the yellow pocket.
Murphy 1-0 Mann
Things are moving more smoothly on the other table. A 57-break from Murphy has helped him to the first frame.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (7-3)
Higgins misses a double, you know things are bad when that happens, and then Heathcote pots a red and misses a straightforward yellow. What is going on!
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (7-2)
Heathcote misses the yellow, then Higgins pots a red and misses the easiest cut of the blue into the middle. Not the best start here boys.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (6-2*)
Higgins left himself a long red to continue his break and missed it by a mile. Heathcote is not left the easiest red but he puts it away.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote (1*-1)
Heathcote with a good red to get first on the board, but his subsequent pink hits both jaws before bouncing out. Now Higgins has a nice table to work around.
Higgins 0-0 Heathcote
Our main focus will be on this match, though we will keep you updated on the goings-on on the other table as well.
Good evening...
Quite a session we have in front of us now as John Higgins and Shaun Murphy are both in action from 7pm. Murphy takes on Mitchell Mann and on the other table, Higgins faces Louis Heathcote.
That's all for this afternoon
We have already seen two entertaining matches, and we have another two to come this evening.
John Higgins and Shaun Murphy are in action looking to join Mark Selby and Anthony McGill in the semi-finals.
Four-time British Open champion Higgins takes on Louis Heathcote, while Murphy locks horns with Mitchell Mann.
We hope you'll join us when the action resumes at 7pm BST this evening. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon!
Selby sees off Williams
Mark Selby booked his place in the British Open semi-finals after beating Mark Williams 5-3 in the battle of the multiple world champions.
The reigning British Open champion reeled off the last three frames from 3-2 down, to remain on course to become the first player to successfully defend the title.
Selby drew first blood after recovering from 48-17 down with a 41 clearance to snatch the opening frame on the pink.
Despite seeing a 47-0 advantage reduced to just four points in frame two, the Jester eventually doubled his lead on the colours.
However, he could not convert a 46-0 lead in the third frame - during which he conceded 36 penalty points after nine successive fouls - as Williams halved the deficit.
The Welshman was in first with 53 in frame four, and though Selby recovered ground, he went in-off when attempting to cut in the black, subsequently handing his opponent the frame.
Williams controlled the fifth frame to lead for the first time, but a superb 106 clearance drew Selby level at 3-3.
The Jester then overturned a 54-1 deficit to snatch frame seven on the pink, before dominating the next to book his place in the last four.
Result! Williams 3-5 Selby
The reigning champion's title defence remains firmly on track!
He completes a 5-3 victory over three-time British Open winner Mark Williams, avenging his defeat in the 2023 final.
Selby joins Anthony McGill in the last four.
Williams 3-4 Selby (1-28)
Selby misses a red to the left corner, but Williams is then unsuccessful with a black to the opposite corner.
Another opportunity for the Jester...
Williams 3-4 Selby (0-27)
Things have gone scrappy during this eighth frame, in which Selby holds an early lead.
It has developed into a game of chess, but who will twitch first?
Result! Moody 3-5 McGill
What a turnaround from Anthony McGill, who reels off the last four frames from 3-1 down!
The Scotsman is through to his first ranking semi-final in almost three years.
For Stan Moody, though, the teenage dream will not become a reality this week.
Williams 3-4 Selby
What a steal by the Jester!
Having trailed significantly, he snatches frame seven on the pink.
He needs one more for victory.
Williams 3-3 Selby (54-45)
The Jester reduces his deficit to just nine points with the final red remaining.
Following a brief tactical battle, Williams leaves it over the right corner.
Selby has a chance to clear and steal...
Williams 3-3 Selby (54-1)
The Welshman takes control of the seventh frame with a run of 54, before running out of position.
He is forced to play safe, but is in a strong position for a 4-3 lead.
CENTURY! Williams 3-3 Selby
Williams has an early chance for 4-2, but can only make 22 from it.
The Jester steps in with a wonderful clearance of 106 to level.
Moody 3-4 McGill
The interval has certainly done wonders for McGill!
A run of 71 does the trick this time, as he goes back in front.
Williams 3-2 Selby
A wonderful long red eventually gets Williams over the line in frame five.
Having trailed 2-0, he has won three frames on the spin to lead for the first time.
Moody 3-3 McGill
A break of 77 moves the two-time ranking event winner level on table two.
Remember, he trailed 3-1. It will now be the best of three for a place in the semi-finals.
Williams 2-2 Selby (70-30)
Although Williams gets to the snookers required stage, Selby needs just two and will play on.
Williams 2-2 Selby (38-6)
Despite building an early lead in frame five, the three-time world champion is foiled by a couple of loose positional shots.
Selby's response is brief and hampered by a missed red to the right corner.
Moody 3-2 McGill
The Scotsman closes the gap to a single frame with a run of 61.
Williams 2-2 Selby
What a way to lose the frame!
Selby plays a slightly loose positional shot from blue to pink, and is subsequently faced with a tough black.
The cue-ball is near the bottom rail and he narrowly misses a cut to the right corner.
However, he can only watch in horror as the cue-ball drifts up the table and eventually drops into the green pocket, handing Williams the frame.
We are all square at the interval!
Williams 1-2 Selby (59-37)
The Jester is unfortunate to knock in the final red when potting the pink.
But, following a tactical battle, he has the chance to take the frame on the colours here.
Williams 1-2 Selby (53-4)
Williams looks to bring himself level on table one, but breaks down on 53.
Selby with the chance to hit back, though two of the reds are near the side rails.
Moody 3-1 McGill
The teenage sensation has scored 117 points without reply to establish breathing space at the mid-session interval.
Can he see this out and progress to his first career ranking semi-final.
Williams 1-2 Selby
An in-off from the Jester provides the Welsh Potting Machine with a chance to take the frame.
He does so with a 30 clearance from the penultimate red to the pink.
Williams 0-2 Selby (58-46)
With the cue-ball tight on the bottom rail, Selby is trying to catch the two reds thin on the baulk rail.
Incredibly, the Jester is now on his 10th attempt, with Williams having accumulated 36 penalty points and edging his nose ahead in the frame.
He finally hits it, much to the relief of the crowd and his opponent, who had joking laid back in his chair while repeatedly pointing at his watch.
Moody 2-1 McGill
The teenager clears from the yellow to snatch the third frame on the black.
He leads for the first time today.
Williams 0-2 Selby (0-46)
Selby has a healthy lead, but misses a red to the left corner with the rest.
Williams now has the chance to counter.
Williams 0-2 Selby (0-18)
Selby misses another black off the spot to the right corner, but his opponent follows suit with a red to the opposite corner.
Can the Jester capitalise on this opportunity?
Moody 1-1 McGill
Across the arena, the teenager responds well with a break of 81 to level.
Williams 0-2 Selby
The Welshman escapes at the second attempt, but leaves the yellow on.
The Jester wastes no time in clearing to the pink and doubling his lead.
Williams 0-1 Selby (43-47)
Williams reduces his deficit to just four points, but runs out of position on the colours and is forced to play safe.
While escaping the snooker, Selby subsequently flukes one of his own!
Which way will this second frame go?
Williams 0-1 Selby (0-47)
Selby is quickly into his stride in the second frame and looking good to double his lead.
However, he breaks down on 47 after rattling a black in the jaws of the right corner, while attempting to develop a red on the bottom rail.
What can Williams do in response?
Moody 0-1 McGill
Over on table two, the Scotsman strikes first with a run of 67.
Steal! Williams 0-1 Selby
The four-time world champion pounces with a 41 clearance to snatch the opening frame on the pink.
Williams 0-0 Selby (48-17)
The Welshman plays a superb positional shot from pink to red, but misses the latter with the cue-ball tight on the side rail.
Can the Jester counter?
Williams 0-0 Selby (0-17)
After a scrappy start to the opening frame, the Jester has the first opportunity to score well.
However, he cannot capitalise after missing a fairly straightforward red to the left centre.
Here we go
The players are introduced by MC Rob Walker, and there is a brilliant atmosphere inside The Centaur.
We will be focusing on the battle of the multiple world champions, but will update you on what's happening across the arena as and when.
On your Marks
We're really excited for this one on the main table.
The pair met at the Wuhan Open last month, with Williams coming through a 5-3 winner.
He's now won the last two meetings, though Selby leads the overall head-to-head 22-19.
Welcome
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Quarter-Final Friday in Cheltenham.
First up, we have a blockbuster battle of the Marks, with Williams and Selby colliding in a repeat of the 2023 British Open final.
The Welshman prevailed on that occasion, though the Jester went one better the following year.
Across the arena, Stan Moody is appearing in his second quarter-final in as many ranking event main-draw appearances. He takes on former Crucible semi-finalist Anthony McGill.
Quarter-Finals
1pm
Mark Williams v Mark Selby
Stan Moody v Anthony McGill
7pm
John Higgins v Louis Heathcote
Shaun Murphy v Mitchell Mann
It's time for four intriguing quarter-finals at the 2025 British Open, and you can follow our live updates right here.
Thursday scores
Round 4
Chang Bingyu 0-4 Mark Selby
Mitchell Mann 4-2 Barry Hawkins
Liam Davies 3-4 Louis Heathcote
Mark Williams 4-1 Lei Peifan
Shaun Murphy 4-3 Judd Trump
Stan Moody 4-3 Ali Carter
Xiao Guodong 2-4 Anthony McGill
John Higgins 4-1 Ben Mertens
Chang Bingyu 0-4 Mark Selby
Mitchell Mann 4-2 Barry Hawkins
Liam Davies 3-4 Louis Heathcote
Mark Williams 4-1 Lei Peifan
Shaun Murphy 4-3 Judd Trump
Stan Moody 4-3 Ali Carter
Xiao Guodong 2-4 Anthony McGill
John Higgins 4-1 Ben Mertens
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‘I think I’ve given value for money this week!’ – Allen jokes after five straight deciders
Video credit: TNT Sports
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