Defending champion John Higgins successfully navigated a tricky first-round encounter at the Tour Championship in Manchester, ultimately defeating fellow veteran Mark Williams by a 10-8 margin. Williams, currently world number four, made a fast start, taking the opening two frames, which included a substantial 121 break against the four-time world champion.

Higgins responded sharply to that early pressure, reeling off seven consecutive frames to establish what looked like a commanding lead. The 50-year-old Scot’s surge set the platform for his progression in the tournament. However, the 51-year-old Williams dug deep, winning four frames to narrow the gap before leveling the scoreboard completely at 8-8.

Momentum swung back decisively toward Higgins after Williams’s late rally. Breaks of 110, 107, and 76 were exchanged during the tense mid-match phase, but the Welshman could not sustain his charge. Higgins secured the final two frames required to clinch the match, setting up a quarter-final clash against Mark Selby, who received a bye.

Elsewhere in the draw, Barry Hawkins ousted in-form Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 10-8, earning a meeting with Neil Robertson. Chris Wakelin also progressed, beating Wu Yize 10-6 to book his slot against Zhao Xintong in the last eight.