Snooker: Lee exacts his revenge

Stephen Lee exacted revenge for his defeat in the final of last year’s Regal Welsh Open by getting the better of returning champion John Higgins for a spot in the last four at Cardiff International Arena today.

World number five Lee produced arguably his best performance of the season to record a convincing 5-1 victory over Higgins, who recovered from 8-6 down to edge him 9-8 in the climax to the tournament 12 months ago.

It qualifies as one the shocks of the competition and is only the second time in 10 attempts that Lee has managed to beat Higgins.

‘‘Obviously it would’ve been great to defend the title, but I didn’t really miss that much,’’ said UK champion Higgins.

‘‘I’m generally happy with my form but I thought Stephen played great and thoroughly deserved to win.’’

Lee, on the receiving end of several hammerings from Higgins in the past, admitted: ‘‘John usually wipes me off the table, so I’m delighted with this.’’

Having opened with a 68 break in the first frame, Lee looked in danger of falling 2-1 adrift. But Higgins, 40 points ahead in the third and ideally placed in among the reds, squandered the opportunity for a sizeable contribution by missing a pink to a middle pocket.

‘‘That turned the match around really,’’ said Higgins.

‘‘It was a pressure ball. I didn’t get it, and Stephen stepped in. After that it was tough going.’’

Lee punished the Higgins blunder with a 67 clearance, moved 4-1 up with further runs of 43, 72 and 45 and completing a satisfying success by dramatically snatching frame six.

After a 12-minute duel on the pink, Lee sank it from distance and rolled a testing black across the top cushion to see off a rival well capable of mounting a sustained fightback had he been able to gain a foothold.

‘‘You don’t get many chances against John and you’ve got no hope if you don’t try and take what you’re given,’’ said Lee.

‘‘There was never any doubt in my mind about taking on the black, and luckily I hit it as sweet as a note.’’