Grand Prix 2009: Higgins and Robertson through to semis

The 2006 and 2008 Grand Prix champions both booked their places in the semi-finals today as John Higgins and Neil Robertson defeated Mark Allen and Joe Perry respectively…

Click here to see how the results have affected the provisional rankings.

John Higgins 5-1 Mark Allen

74(66)-31, 90(46,44)-4, 72(72)-41(41), 42-51, 78(42c)-73(73), 96(96)-0

A fast-starting John Higgins made short work of world number 11 Mark Allen to progress to the semi-finals today and keep his bid for a second successive Grand Prix title on track.

For me John has been the best player this week already and with breaks of 72, 66, 46 and 42 moved into a 3-0 lead to put himself into a commanding position again in this match.

Mark did however take a scrappy fourth frame to keep himself in touch at the break and having gone 73-0 up in frame five to leave John needing two snookers, looked like he could really get back into the match. To his horror however, John was able to get both of them before putting together two scoring visits to clear the table and put himself 4-1 ahead. From here there was no way back for Allen and Higgins duly wrapped up the match with a classy 96 in the next frame.

After a below-par performance against Ronnie O’Sullivan in Shanghai, John has bounced back well this week and looks well-placed to become the first place since O’Sullivan himself in 2005 to successfully defend a ranking event title. There is still however room for improvement in his game and it will be interesting to see if he can move up another gear in the next round as will most likely be necessary.

For Mark Allen however that big breakthrough by way of a ranking event trophy will have to wait a little longer, though he has at least guaranteed a good amount of points this week despite rarely looking near his best. He will now be hoping for a good run at the UK Championship in Telford, a venue with happy memories for him having defeated his idol Stephen Hendry there in 2007.

Neil Robertson 5-1 Joe Perry

11-97(60,37), 61-54, 102(100)-12, 86(67)-7, 63-48(39), 103(103)-0

Joining John in the last four will be Australian Neil Robertson who put in a very impressive performance to see off friend Joe Perry this afternoon.

Joe actually took the opening frame with good breaks of 60 and 37 but this only served to provoke a five frame burst from his opponent, highlighted by breaks of 103 and 100 on his way to a 5-1 victory.

Like John Neil has looked very good this week, particularly during his last two matches and if he can avoid Higgins in tonight’s semi-final draw it would not surprise me at all to see the two contest Sunday’s showpiece final.

For Joe Perry it is a disappointing result but having lost in the first round of each of the other four ranking event tournaments so far this year, he will at least be glad to get some points on the board and will hopefully head to Telford with fresh confidence…