Wishawwizard is cue-ing up for new tools of the trade
John Higgins hopes a new cue and chalk can inspire him to Champion of Champions glory.
The Wishaw Wizard hasn’t won a major title for nearly 32 months in the longest barren spell of his illustrious career.
But the four-time world champion has renewed confidence his improved tools of the trade can help him conjure up a magical spell at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes this week.
And the signs are good, having pocketed a memorable maximum 147 break on Friday in the Championship League semi-finals.
“You need to try different things at this stage of your career to keep the motivation up,” admitted Higgins.
“I guess if you look at other sports and how their equipment has evolved, well, snooker’s never really done that before.
“But I’ve added little things to my game which are helping.
“I’m using a titanium ferrule (cue) now. In
golf all the putters were metal and now they’re adding titanium, which all the top boys are supposedly using.
“It seems to be working for the boys who have got it in snooker as well.
“And I’ve been playing with this new version of the Taom chalk. It’s unbelievable. I’m totally sold on it.”
Higgins has won 30 ranking crowns during his 28-year professional career, having won all of snooker’s major titles.
But aged 45 the hungry Scot still has the desire to add to his impressive tally before he finally hands up his cue.
And he kicks off his quest for the £150,000 top prize against Chinese cueman Ding Junhui tomorrow.