John Higgins came through an epic contest with David Gilbert to edge a dramatic 17-16 victory and make his way into an eighth World Championship final.
The four-time champion was behind after each of the first three sessions, but was ahead at the only point that mattered, when he shook Gilbert’s hand at the end of the contest.
The match stretch over 11 hours with the Englishman in control for the majority of it, but the Scot was not to be denied, showing enough flashes of brilliance, including a break of 139 in the penultimate frame.
A devastated Gilbert will look back on leads of 8-3 and 10-6 in disappointment as he squandered the chance to make a first Crucible final.
The final session began with Gilbert ahead at 13-11 and Higgins appeared to have the momentum having won the final two frames on Friday evening.
However, Gilbert showed that he was not suffering from semi-final nerves just yet as he knocked in an impressive 105 to take the first frame of the day.
Higgins responded well, needing two chances but making a break of 52 on the way to winning the 26th frame.
The Scot took the next and was back within one at 14-13, piling the pressure on his vastly less experienced opponent.
It wasn’t the pressure that told but some serious bad luck in the 28th as Gilbert slammed home a superb long pot to get in, but then went in-off on his next red extremely unfortunately to allow Higgins in.
The Wizard of Wishaw made no mistake, making a break of 74 to level things up going into the interval, for the first time since the match was 3-3.
The 29th frame was tense and frustrating as it was re-racked twice, but on the third attempt it was Higgins found his touch again, making a break of 96 to take the lead for the first time since the first session at 15-14.
Many would have been rattled in his position, but Gilbert showed more mettle as he made 78 to achieve parity once again.
Higgins was in the balls in the next frame, getting himself into a 24-point lead before missing a red with the extended rest and allowing Gilbert a very decent chance.
The Tamworth cueman made 53 before breaking down and after a safety exchange and Higgins missing a long red, Gilbert managed to leave the Scot needing snookers.
A remarkable exchange ensued with Higgins going in-off at one point, leaving him needing three snookers. He picked up two as Gilbert repeatedly missed long pots and the nerves really began jangling. The frame ended up lasting over 40 minutes, with Gilbert eventually potting green and brown to lead 16-15.
One away from victory in his first World Championship semi-final and Gilbert wobbled, playing a really poor safety shot early to let Higgins in.
Referee Marcel Eckardt also had a wobble as he accidentally dropped his ball marker onto a red with Higgins mid-break, the Scot look less than impressed as time was taken to replace the ball in an unusual scene.
It didn’t put the four-time champ off, though, continuing the break all the way to 139 to take the match to a deciding frame.
The pair shook hands and it was Gilbert who was first to pot a ball, although it was no easy chance and he made just 28 before running out of position and missing the black.
A reprieved Higgins showed his immense quality and experience to make 55, before eventually coming through a lengthy safety exchange to reach the World Championship final for an eighth time.
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