John Higgins holds back tears in emotional aftermath of Mark Williams defeat

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.

Williams stepped in to pot the last three balls and scrape into the semi-finals, where he will take on either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel.

It was a painful loss for the 49-year-old and he said it left him ‘devastated’ but his emotions were more stirred by thoughts of his family, which he pointed out are far more important to him than any snooker match.

His father-in-law suffered a serious health scare just before the tournament and he paid tribute to his wife who was in Sheffield with him.

‘I can’t be too down on myself. I’ve lost a classic game there to an unbelievable champion,’ Higgins said.

‘It’s given you guys great excitement, it’s given people back home great excitement. That’s why people tune into the World Championship and I’ve just come out on the wrong end of it.

‘I think I’ve been one of those players who’s always had a good perspective. Sometimes when I lose in front of you guys it’s raw cause you’re just coming off.

‘I know what’s more important in my life and she’s up there [nodding to wife Denise]. I know that.

‘I give everything 100 per cent. At the end of the day if I lose it’s secondary now. It’s my job and I give everything. I lost and I’m devastated right now.

‘It’s what happens. I go home and the family and loved ones will pick you back up and you get on with life.’

He added: ‘I’ve got to take the positives. It’s been a better season than the last four or five years by winning two events.

‘Right now it’s devastation. When I think back and reflect on the season it’s been a good season.’

Higgins was brilliant as he won four frames on the spin from 12-8 behind to force a decider and looked set to win as he got in on the final red and just needed the blue for victory.

‘I had the chance on the blue didn’t I? It was difficult,’ he told the BBC. ‘You’re struggling to see pockets at that part of the game. He potted a great blue, pink and black, so every credit to him.

‘I felt good going into the last frame. I had a golden chance and could only make 30, but it’s understandable at that point of the game. It’s tough. I got my chance and I never took it so no complaints.

‘I’ve had a good season and the atmosphere out there was incredible, we got a standing ovation again walking in. He’s just pipped me again, but there’s no better place to play when you win or lose, even though I’ve lost, it’s heart-breaking, but it’s just one of those things.

‘He played amazing to go 12-8, then I came back, he’s a great champion.’

The two veterans have been battling it out for well over 30 years and there was a nice moment between them after the final ball was potted, although Higgins admits it is far from the easiest time to string words together.

‘I just told him to play well in the semi-final and well done,’ said the four-time champion.

‘It’s hard to put it into words because you’re numb at that point after he’s potted the last black so you don’t have any great speeches.

‘You’re walking towards him in a bit of a trance and saying well done.’

Williams goes on to take on either Judd Trump or Luca Brecel in the semi-finals.