The third round was held from 11 to 12 December. Breaks of 128, 121 and 105 enabled Higgins to lead Lee 7–1 in a match delayed by 20 minutes to enable players and officials to watch Paul Hunter's widow Lyndsey receive the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award on his behalf. Higgins made another century break in the second session to beat Lee 9–2.
The third round took place from 11 to 12 December. Intervals of 128, 121, and 105 allowed Higgins to dominate Lee 7–1 in a match postponed by 20 minutes so that players and officials could watch Paul Hunter's widow Lyndsey receive the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award on his behalf. Higgins scored another century break in the second session to defeat Lee 9–2.