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.
A tournament round was held from December 11 to 12. Time-outs of 128, 121, and 105 seconds gave Higgins a 7–1 lead over Lee in a match that was delayed by 20 minutes so that players and officials could attend Paul Hunter's widow Lyndsey receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award on his behalf. Higgins then scored another century break to beat Lee 9–2.