‘We're civil but we've never been close' – Higgins on his relationship with ‘Class of 92' rivals O'Sullivan and Williams

Scottish Sun

21-04-2025

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SCOTTISH snooker legend John Higgins has seen some extreme highs and lows in the sport.
After a major decline at the beginning of this season which saw him drop out of the world's top 16 for the first time in nearly 30 years, the man from Wishaw is back on form.
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John Higgins has turned around bad form which had him doubting the trajectory of his career
Credit: Getty
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'The Wizard of Wishaw' dropped out of the top 16 after a horror start to the season
Credit: PA
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Victory at the World Open and Tour Championship put him back on track
Credit: Getty
Higgins scooped the 32nd ranking title of his career at the World Open, then won the Tour Championship to put the bad memories of that rocky stretch to bed.
Reflecting on the difficult spell, Higgins told the Daily Record: "It was a concern.
"The trajectory of my career… I wasn't dropping like a stone, but I was steadily losing places every year, which eventually put me outside the top 16.
"You obviously start thinking that your time might be up at the top end of the game, it's only natural.
"But it shows you what happens in sport, fast forward a few months and it's flipped on its head again.
"[The World Open win] reinforces a bit of belief that you can still do it.
"I've always been open about my mental state, I'd been getting pretty down.
"At critical points in matches, I seemed to be falling down and that takes it toll on you."
Higgins, who would become the oldest-ever Snooker World Championship winner if he cleans up at Crucible this year, is a member of the 'Class of 92' group alongside fellow legends Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams.
The trio all debuted in the same year, and whilst Higgins' return to form is in contrast to the struggles of his two rivals, he revealed his continuing respect for the pair.
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He added: "I've said it numerous times, to be classed with those two legends of the game is special.
"You don't really know you're part of something [special] until you retire, you'll look back and think, 'that was good'.
"33 years and counting and the three of us are still up near the top eight of the game.
"We get on, we're civil but we've never been close because you've always been fighting for titles with them.
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Higgins and O'Sullivan have won 11 World Championships between them
Credit: PA:Press Association
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Williams has struggled with his eyesight recently but remains in this year's championship
Credit: PA
"You respect them, yeah, they're unbelievable players.
"It's the hardest standard we've ever had in snooker, without a doubt, so I'm proud I'm still up there competing.
"The time I stop playing at the Crucible is the time I'll stop having my birthdays.
"I've played there 30-odd years - it's more than half my life - every April and May at the Crucible.
"It'll be a sad day when you don't get to go there."
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