Snooker
Exclusive: John Higgins Eyes One More Major as Masters Streak Hangs in the Balance
Scottish snooker legend John Higgins, with his Masters streak in jeopardy, is determined to claim another major title. Reflecting on recent challenges and inspired by Neil Robertson's comeback, Higgins remains focused on proving he can still compete at the top level
Image Credits: The Independent
Scottish snooker great John Higgins knows his distinguished career won’t last forever.
But the all-conquering Scot, who celebrates his 50th birthday next year, believes he retains the proven star quality to land at least one more major title to his bulging collection.
The Wizard Still Has the Magic
The Wizard of Wishaw is desperate to extend his stunning run of 30 consecutive years of playing in the invite-only Masters, snooker’s most prestigious invitational tournament, with his coveted top 16 place under threat more than ever before.
Higgins has won everything there is to win in the green baize game including four world title, three UK Championship crowns and two Masters titles.
Selby Defeat Fuels Higgins’ Determination
Last Sunday he came within a whisker of pocketing a 32nd ranking crown, but defeat to long-term rival Mark Selby in the British Open final means it’s now 43 months since he’s a won a major ranking tournament.
His run to the final saw him get his place back in the top-16, but he knows he has to perform well in the next four tournaments before the New Year to guarantee his Masters’ place.
Thankfully, the motivation to compete at the top level and stay in the sport’s elite 16 still burns bright for one of snooker’s legendary champions.
There has been that pressure the last couple of years because I’ve not been winning events and, if you don’t win events, you don’t stay in the 16.
John Higgins
Raising His Game for One Last Hurrah
“The rest of the boys are winning events and going above you in the rankings, you have to accept that.”
“That’s the way it should be, but I’d like to continue my streak of playing in the Masters. I’ve played in that tournament for so many years, so that’s a big aim this season to make sure I’m there again.”
“While you’re still playing this game you don’t want to peter away and not be playing in the big events, you always want to be competing against the best players.”
“I feel if I can raise my game, get the practise in and feel better, then I feel as though I can get there.”
“I suppose that’s the reason I’m still playing this game, I really would love to win another one.”
“I think I’m good enough, but obviously the proof’s in the pudding.”
“I’ve not been winning titles the last two or three years, so that’s what keeps me going.”
Inspiration from Neil Robertson’s Revival
Fellow top potter Neil Robertson plummeted down the rankings last season after a worrying run of form which even saw him miss out on playing at the World Championship in Sheffield.
But the Aussie ace proved class is permanent when he won the 24th ranking crown of his career by winning this season’s English Open title in August, ending an agonising two-and-a-half year wait for a title.
“The reason he’s probably done it (won a title again) is because he’s fallen down the rankings and he wasn’t happy,” said Higgins, who famously reached five finals in the 2022-23 season and didn’t manage to win any of them.
“Not being at the Crucible and losing (in the first round) at the Masters, that has probably given him new drive and determination.”
“He’s done fantastic to come back and play the way he is.”
“But he’s also not guaranteed to be at the Masters this season as well, you know we’re all fighting for it (our top-16 status) because it means so much.”
“I know everybody says ‘well, he’s too good not to come back’, but you’ve still got to do it.”
“Every credit to him because he’s a fantastic champion.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.