Stan Moody Stuns John Higgins to Reach British Open Quarter-Finals

Moody Ends Higgins Challenge in Cheltenham

Nineteen-year-old Stan Moody produced a composed and ultimately decisive performance to eliminate four-time British Open champion John Higgins 4-2 in the last 16 at Cheltenham, booking his place in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. The Halifax-born qualifier edged a tightly contested match through controlled shot-making in the closing frames, denying the 51-year-old Higgins any foothold when it mattered most.

The match followed a pattern of persistent levelling from the Scottish veteran. Moody moved 1-0 ahead, only for Higgins to draw level; the teenager again took the initiative at 2-1, and again Higgins pegged him back. That ability to stay composed under the pressure of repeated equalisations underlines a maturity that belies Moody's age. A break of 46 finally gave him what proved to be a decisive 3-2 lead, and when Higgins opened frame six with a run of 61, it appeared the former world number one might force a decider. Instead, Moody constructed a clearance of 69, finishing on the black, to close out the match and confirm his place in the last eight.

Historical Context: Moody's Rapid Ascent

Moody's progress at this year's British Open continues what has been a remarkable 12 months for the teenager. Earlier in 2025 he became the first British teenager to compete at the World Championship since Judd Trump — a statistic that contextualises just how uncommon it is for players of his age group to operate consistently at the sport's top table. Reaching consecutive quarter-finals at a full-ranking event strengthens the case that his Crucible appearance was a measure of genuine readiness rather than a one-off qualifier's fortune.

Higgins, meanwhile, carries the weight of a career that includes four world titles and 32 ranking event victories (per CueTracker), but at 51 his results against younger opponents have been increasingly inconsistent. Defeat here continues a difficult stretch of results in ranking events in 2025, and his inability to convert a 61-0 lead in the deciding frame will be a source of frustration for a player of his experience and quality.

Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape

Moody will next face fellow Englishman Liam Highfield, who accounted for Long Zehuang 4-1 to advance. Highfield, from Stoke, has been in efficient form throughout the draw and represents a stern but winnable test for the teenager.

Elsewhere in the last 16, Judd Trump was in imperious form, dispatching David Gilbert 4-0 with centuries of 118 and 105 in the final two frames — a statement of intent from the former world number one as he pushes for a deep run in Cheltenham. Trump's consistency at ranking events this season makes him a strong favourite to go further in the draw.

Cheltenham's own Jack Lisowski, who has spoken openly about the significance of performing well in his home city, defeated China's Lyu Haotian 4-1 and will face four-time world champion Mark Selby in the quarter-finals after Selby overcame Ukraine's Iulian Boiko 4-2. That match-up between two players who prize tactical discipline should produce one of the more absorbing contests of the round.

Wales' Jak Jones continued his steady progress through the draw with a 4-2 win over Latvia's Artemus Zizins, while Northern Ireland's Aaron Hill was the most emphatic of Friday's winners, beating Fan Zhengyi 4-0 to advance without dropping a frame.

British Open Last 16 Results Summary

Stan Moody bt John Higgins 4-2
Judd Trump bt David Gilbert 4-0 (breaks: 118, 105)
Jack Lisowski bt Lyu Haotian 4-1
Mark Selby bt Iulian Boiko 4-2
Jak Jones bt Artemus Zizins 4-2
Aaron Hill bt Fan Zhengyi 4-0
Liam Highfield bt Long Zehuang 4-1

What to Watch in the Quarter-Finals

The Moody vs Highfield encounter carries obvious interest given Moody's trajectory, but the contest that most neutrals will be anticipating is Lisowski against Selby — a clash of contrasting styles in which Lisowski's attacking instincts will be tested by Selby's renowned capacity for grinding out tactical frames. Trump, should he maintain the break-building form he demonstrated against Gilbert, looks well positioned to reach the semi-finals.

For Moody, Friday's quarter-final represents another opportunity to add a landmark to what is already shaping up as the most significant season of his young career.