Moody continues to impress in Cheltenham, setting up a clash with Liam Highfield in the last eight
Category: Sports
In a stunning upset at the British Open, 19-year-old Stan Moody knocked out four-time champion John Higgins with a 4-2 victory in the last 16 on September 3, 2026, at The Centaur in Cheltenham. This win marks Moody's second consecutive quarter-final appearance at the prestigious event, solidifying his status as one of snooker’s most promising young talents.
Moody's triumph is particularly notable as he becomes the first British teenager to play at the World Championship since Judd Trump. His victory over Higgins showcases his skills and highlights the shifting dynamics in the sport, as younger players continue to challenge established champions.
During the match, Higgins, 51, displayed resilience by coming from behind twice to level the score at 2-2. Nevertheless, Moody seized the opportunity to take a 3-2 lead with a break of 46. In a dramatic final frame, Moody overcame a 0-61 deficit to secure the win with a remarkable clearance of 69 points, stunning the audience and his opponent alike. "The match was a bit broken, but in that last frame I thought I might still get one more chance. When it came, I used it," Moody told World Snooker Tour after the match.
Moody will face fellow Englishman Liam Highfield in the quarter-finals on September 4, 2026. Highfield earned his spot with an impressive 4-1 victory over China's Long Zehuang, where he showcased his own prowess with breaks of 86, 104, 78, and 102. Both players are eager to advance, with Moody looking to make a name for himself in the snooker world.
Meanwhile, Judd Trump also advanced to the quarter-finals, defeating compatriot David Gilbert 4-0. Trump, 37, exhibited remarkable form, achieving breaks of 118 and 105 in the final two frames, demonstrating why he is currently ranked as the world number one. He is set to face China's Zhao Xintong, who overcame England's Mark Joyce 4-2.
In other matches, Jack Lisowski triumphed over China's Lyu Haotian 4-1, setting up a clash with four-time world champion Mark Selby, who defeated Ukraine's Iulian Boiko 4-2. Welsh player Jak Jones secured his place in the last eight by defeating Latvian Artemus Zizins 4-2, and Northern Ireland's Aaron Hill delivered a strong performance against China's Fan Zhengyi, winning 4-0.
This year's British Open is particularly competitive, with a total prize fund of £502,000 attracting top talent from around the globe. Moody's performance throughout the tournament has captured attention, especially considering he is in just his fourth season on the professional circuit. His previous quarter-final appearance came during last year's event, where he fell short against Anthony McGill, who eventually became the runner-up.
Moody's victory over Higgins adds to his growing list of accomplishments. Earlier in the tournament, he faced Zhang Anda and managed to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead, eventually winning the match with a stunning break of 133. This ability to perform under pressure speaks volumes about his potential in the sport.
As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds for the upcoming matches. With the quarter-finals set to take place on September 4, 2026, fans are eager to see if Moody can continue his impressive run and possibly claim the Clive Everton Trophy, joining an exclusive group of players who have won a ranking title in their teens.
The quarter-finals will feature a series of exciting matchups, with Moody and Highfield's clash expected to be particularly thrilling. Both players have shown exceptional skill and determination, making this a must-watch event. The matches are now best of nine frames, adding another layer of intensity to the competition.
In addition to the Moody vs. Highfield match, the quarter-finals will see Trump take on Zhao, Lisowski face Selby, and Jones compete against Hill. Each of these pairings promises to deliver high-stakes snooker, as players vie for a place in the semi-finals.
As the tournament continues, Moody's progress will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike. His ability to upset seasoned players like Higgins suggests that he could be a future star in the world of snooker. With the right mindset and continued support, Moody may very well find himself lifting the Clive Everton Trophy in the near future.
As the excitement builds for the quarter-finals, the snooker community remains abuzz with speculation about the potential outcomes. Will Moody continue his impressive form and advance to the semi-finals? The answers will begin to emerge on September 4, 2026, when the next round of matches takes place.