John Higgins was holding back tears after an epic battle with Mark Williams at the Crucible, but not because of the nerve-shredding defeat. The Scot lost 13-12 to his old rival, missing a brilliant chance to win the classic contest but missing the final blue.

John Higgins established a slender 5-3 advantage over Mark Williams at the end of the opening session of their World Snooker Championship quarter-final at the Crucible.

Mark Williams has admitted to being stunned after suffering 'no nerves' during his dramatic win over John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship on Wednesday. The 50-year-old has become the oldest semi-finalist in four decades after winning 13-12 at the Crucible.