British Open Quarter-Finals Deliver High-Stakes Drama

World No.10 Mark Selby showcased his trademark resilience at the 2025 British Open, overcoming a mid-match deficit to defeat three-time world champion Mark Williams 5-3 in a gripping quarter-final encounter. The Leicester native now stands one step closer to becoming the first player to successfully defend the British Open title.

Match Breakdown: Selby vs Williams

• Frame 1-2: Selby establishes early dominance with tactical mastery (67-34, 81-45)
• Frame 3-5: Williams roars back with century break (101) and two tight frames
• Turning Point: Selby's 106 clearance in Frame 6 sparks decisive rally
• Decider: Clinical 58-break seals victory in eighth frame

Key Stat: This marks Selby's 15th career victory over Williams in ranking events (15-12 H2H).

Semi-Final Showdowns Set

Murphy Continues Hot Streak

Reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy extended his sensational form with a 5-1 demolition of Mitchell Mann. The world No.16 has now eliminated three top-5 players this tournament:

1. Neil Robertson (World No.3)
2. Judd Trump (World No.1)
3. Mark Williams (World No.5)

Scottish Derby in Making

Four-time world champion John Higgins survived an early scare against Louis Heathcote, recovering from 0-2 down with a spectacular 135 break - the tournament's highest so far. He'll face compatriot Anthony McGill, who overturned a 3-1 deficit against teenage sensation Stan Moody.

Tournament Structure & Prize Money

• Semi-Finals: Best of 11 frames (First to 6)
• Final: Best of 19 frames (First to 10)
• Prize Breakdown:
  • Semi-Finalists: £20,000
  • Runner-Up: £65,000
  • Champion: £100,000

The British Open continues to deliver world-class snooker action, with Saturday's semi-finals promising tactical masterclasses and break-building brilliance.