The Masters final in 2006 is one of those matches that will always be referenced by snooker fans as one of the finest the sport has witnessed. A match that consisted of swings and roundabouts, shifts in momentum and a finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. This final, and particularly the decider, is the very definition of an Instant Classic.
Aided by two strong centuries, O’Sullivan stormed into a 3-0 lead, but Higgins didn’t take this lying down. He hit back in similar fashion by taking the next five frames to lead the opening session 5-3. O’Sullivan was able to level the score-line despite being two frames down on two occasions, before eventually levelling once again at 8-8 on a thrilling black ball frame.
O’Sullivan was able to take the lead for the first time in the match since it commenced as he found himself one frame away from successfully defending his Masters title which, funnily enough, was against Higgins in the previous year, where the result was far more one-sided. However, Higgins in true form wasn’t going to let this one get away from him as a break of 40 forced a decider in what was already a match to be remembered.
All deciding frames have the elements of drama and suspense that typically come with a one-frame shootout however, on this occasion stakes and the tension were far more palpable. It was a major final that involved the two top players of the decade playing at the top of their game as they displayed their respective strengths throughout the match. O’Sullivan with his formidable break-building and long pots (3 centuries and 7 50+ breaks) and Higgins with his crushing tactical prowess.
However, this deciding frame came down to nerve. Despite being in first with a brilliant pack split, O’Sullivan broken down on a break of 60 with a tricky cut to the top left corner. There were still 75 points on the table but it was a tall ask under the insurmountable pressure. The opening red that Higgins potted to begin his epic 64 clearance almost wasn’t to be, as the red just about had the pace to eventually roll into the right centre.
The rest of the break was a matter of composure and bottle. And Higgins demonstrated that in abundance. The memorable feat of this break that most remember is the fantastic double on the final red that Higgins took on. It wasn’t a double he was forced to take on by falling out of position; rather it was a shot he intentionally left himself to give him a slight chance of continuing the break that could win him the Masters. It was an enormous risk, but one clearly worth taking on.
And the rest of the match is history (literally). Higgins went on to expertly clear the remainder of the colours with one of the greatest breaks of his career as he avenged his prior year loss. The crowd were behind both players as they appreciated the classic that just witnessed as Higgins lifted his second Masters trophy in a contest that is still vividly remembered to this day.
Do you remember this match? Which other matches or moments go down in your mind as Instant Classics?
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