Wrong to write off Higgins?
JOHN HIGGINS is a proven winner and one of Scotland’s finest sportsmen. But, despite having won 30 ranking titles in an illustrious career, he has ruled himself out of winning this year’s Masters. Snooker’s most prestigious invitational tournament starts today at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Perhaps surprisingly given his success in the sport, Higgins has only ever won the title twice since a stunning debut 26 years ago when he reached the final as a wet behind the ears wildcard.
And, despite reaching two major finals last season and impressing so far this term, Higgins doesn’t harbour many hopes of ending his two-year wait for another ranking tournament victory.
‘I probably had my chances in the early 2000s and other times,’ admitted the 44-year-old.
‘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.’
However, it may be foolish to write off a player who has proven time and time again that he can perform on the biggest stage.
Higgins’ desire to succeed has led to three successive Crucible final appearances the last three seasons, something even his archrival Ronnie O’Sullivan has been unable to achieve.
But a renewed love for the green baize is what has reignited the Scot’s hunger to keep winning into his late 40s.
Higgins was practising at home every day and became disillusioned with the sport.
But in the past year he has teamed up to compete with his compatriots Stephen Maguire, Anthony McGill, Alan McManus and Graeme Dott.
The quintet regular practise together at a special venue in Glasgow — and the benefits have been there for all to see.
Higgins and Maguire won the World Cup for Scotland last year and Maguire, his best pal on the professional circuit, reached the UK Championship final last month.
And earlier this week Glaswegian McGill, regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest hopes, won a Championship League group to make sure of a place in this year’s Champions event later this season.
‘I think my mentality has changed because I’m enjoying not playing in the house anymore,’ revealed Higgins, who was also a twice beaten Masters finalist.
‘I was playing for a couple of years there and I think was really getting me down mentally.
‘But now I get up in the morning with a purpose. I get the kids off to school and then I’m in playing with young Anthony and Stephen.
‘Alan and Graeme come over for a game sometimes. It’s good to be out of the house and back to what you love doing, it’s like what I used to do in the early parts of my career.
‘I was putting in the hours in at the club. I’m obviously not playing as much as I used to play, but I’m feeling a bit better about my game.’
Higgins won his first Masters title in 1999 when he defeated Irishman Ken Doherty 10-8, before beating O’Sullivan 10-9 in what is regarded as one of the greatest-ever Masters finals, the last year the event was staged at the iconic Wembley Conference Centre in 2006.
‘I’m proud that something like that can go down in history as one of the good endings to the Masters,’ he said of the stunning clearance that won him the title again.
Higgins faces Barry Hawkins on Tuesday night as he begins his quest for the £250,000 top prize.
Maguire takes on Australian Neil Robertson tomorrow afternoon.