World of sport
Wizard to re-discover his Masters mojo?
John Higgins would love nothing better than to produce his trademark magic to win this year’s Masters crown.
The Wizard of Wishaw last won snooker’s mostprestigious invitational tournament in 2006, with a memorable victory over arch-rival Ronnie O’Sullivan.
That final, the last at the Wembley Conference Centre, is widely-regarded as one of the best Masters finales of all-time.
But, despite that famous victory, Higgins – making his 26th consecutive Masters appearance this year – has never managed to add to his two Masters titles.
And, at 44, he knows he faces a tough test to emulate former glories at London’s Alexandra Palace.
“It would mean a great deal to do well because I’m getting to the twilight of my career,” admitted Higgins, a four-time world champion.
“I’ve been to the last three World finals. But I’m disappointed not to have won at least one of them.
“I’ve not really done myself justice in the so-called big events like the UK Championship and the Masters. I’d dearly love to turn that around.
“I’ve had good longevity at the Masters, it makes you proud. But I’m not proud of my record there.
“I’ve only won it twice in those 26 times, so you’re probably not expecting me to win again.
“I’ve probably had my chances in the early 2000s and other times.
“For whatever reason, I never really settled at the Conference Centre.
“The venue obviously changed a couple of times, but I think it’s found a great home now in Alexandra Palace. It’s a brilliant arena to play in and I’ll look forward to it.
“1500-2000 people turn up for every match. The old venue used to be a bit soulless until you got to the semi-finals or the final.
“But although Alexandra Palace is not as good as The Crucible, it’s a close second of an arena to play in.”
Higgins reached two major finals last season. But his last ranking-title win came nearly two years ago, when he lifted the Welsh Open crown.
So it’s little surprise the world No. 6, winner of an impressive 30 ranking titles, is hungry to add to his stellar silverware haul.
The ambitious Scot takes on England’s Barry Hawkins in the first round on Tuesday, with a £250,000 top prize up for grabs if he can go all the way and win a third Masters crown next Sunday.
“It’s always tough playing Barry,” admitted Higgins. “It’s an old cliché, but you don’t get any easy games at the Masters.
“He had a little bit of a tough spell at the end of last year. But he always seems to turn it around and go into the second half of the season with renewed confidence.
“He’ll be looking forward to the big events, and everyone knows he’s associated with doing well at World Championship and the Masters. So he’s always tough to play against.”
Compatriot Stephen Maguire is the only other Scot in action at this year’s event.
The Milton potter, a beaten finalist at last month’s UK Championship, faces Australian Neil Robertson tomorrow afternoon for a place in the quarter-finals.
Judd Trump, the world No. 1 and world champion, returns as defending champion and takes on fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy on Tuesday.
O’Sullivan, a record seven-time Masters champion, withdrew from the event last month due to personal reasons.