Hurricane blew up snooker
ORIGINAL PEOPLE’S CHAMPION HELPED PUT SPORT ON THE MAP
ALEXANDER Gordon Higgins took snooker from small smoke- filled rooms to the front and back pages of Britain’s newspapers in the 1970s and 80s.
His rapid style on the table earned him the ‘ Hurricane’ nickname but his life away from the green baize was tempestuous too.
Born on March 18, 1949, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Higgins left an indelible mark on the world of snooker, transforming it from a sedate and gentlemanly pastime into a compelling spectator sport marked by both his own fiery character and exceptional talent.
Tearful
Higgins began his snooker career at a young age, turning professional at the age of 22.
His rise to fame was meteoric, clinching his first World Championship in 1972, just one year after turning professional.
This victory not only showcased his prowess at the snooker table but also highlighted his distinctive fast- paced and aggressive style of play, which contrasted sharply with the more calculated and deliberate approaches favored by his contemporaries.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Higgins was a dominant force in snooker.
His second World title win in 1982 is perhaps what he is best remembered for, not just for the victory itself but for the emotional circumstances surrounding it.
The image of Higgins tearfully holding his baby daughter after the win became one of snooker’s most iconic moments, embodying the passion and personal struggles that defined much of his life and career.
However, Higgins’ career was also marked by controversy and personal demons. His confrontational attitude and frequent clashes with authorities, competitors, and even fans were well- documented in the press.
His lifestyle off the snooker table was characterized by excessive drinking and turbulent relationships, which often overshadowed his achievements on the table.
Despite his struggles,
Higgins’ influence on the sport was profound. His flamboyant and fearless playing style drew in crowds and television viewers, helping to popularize snooker across the globe during the 1980s – a golden era for the sport.
His ability to pull off improbable pots and his never- say- die attitude on the table inspired a generation of players, including the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, who often cited Higgins as a key influence.
Off the table, Higgins faced numerous challenges,
including a throat cancer.
His health issues were exacerbated by his lifestyle choices, and he often appeared in public bearing the physical signs of his battles.
Despite these challenges, Higgins continued to compete at the highest levels until his health sharply declined.
Alex Higgins passed away on July 24, 2010, at the age of 61.
His death marked the end of an era for snooker, but his legacy lives on.
battle with
Lows
Today, he is remembered not just as a two- time World Champion but as a figure who brought charisma, flair, and passion to snooker, changing the face of the sport forever.
In remembering Higgins, the snooker community reflects on a man who was as complex personally as he was talented professionally.
His story is one of brilliance and tumult, marked by both the spectacular highs of his victories and the personal lows of his later years.
Through it all, Alex Higgins remains a seminal figure in snooker history, a true sports icon whose impact on the game transcends the victories and the controversies.