At 50 years old, John Higgins isn't slowing down. He’s dominating at the Players Championship, recently securing a decisive 6-1 victory over Neil Robertson. This win wasn’t just a triumph; it illuminated a staggering statistic about his legendary career.
Higgins effortlessly crafted breaks of 133, 84, and 70, showcasing a level of skill that left Robertson struggling. The Australian appeared hampered by issues with his cue, unable to replicate his usual formidable form. Higgins, however, was in a class of his own.
A fortunate opportunity arose when Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the tournament, granting Higgins a place in the 16-man event. He’s determined to capitalize on this chance, now poised to face either Chris Wakelin or Xiao Guodong in the quarter-finals.
That upcoming match will mark Higgins’ 155th quarter-final appearance in a ranking event – a truly monumental achievement. Consider this: since turning professional in 1992, he’s consistently reached the last eight in over a third of all ranking tournaments played.
The very first officially recognized ranking event was the 1974 World Championship, predating Higgins’ birth by a year. Yet, he’s reached the quarter-finals in an astonishing 33.99% of all ranking events held since then. It’s a testament to his enduring excellence.
Having participated in 339 ranking events, Higgins boasts an incredible 45.72% success rate in reaching at least the quarter-final stage. No other player in snooker history can claim such consistent deep runs in these prestigious tournaments.
Following his win against Robertson, Higgins shared his thoughts on Channel 5, expressing his enjoyment and acknowledging his opponent’s uncharacteristic performance. He emphasized his satisfaction with his own game, recognizing the significance of the victory.
“Without a doubt, with Ronnie not turning up, it gave me a free roll,” Higgins admitted. “Delighted to beat Neil, I hold him in such high regard, it’s a great win for me.” He values victories against top players like Selby, Trump, and Robertson, seeing them as validation of his skill.
Higgins is known for his meticulous approach to his equipment and technique. Before the Players Championship, he spent time refining his game with Stephen Maguire, making subtle but potentially impactful adjustments.
He reverted to a 29mm cue diameter, a change from his recent 30mm preference, harking back to earlier successes. More surprisingly, he’s experimenting with a lighter touch on the cue, aiming for increased power and smoother delivery.
“I’m trying something as well, I’m normally really on the cue, I’m trying to be not as strong on the cue, it’s giving me more power,” Higgins explained. “If you’re too rigid you can’t get through the white, I’m trying something else and it seems to be working.”
Beyond his pursuit of a 34th ranking title, Higgins is embracing a new challenge: stepping into the role of pundit and commentator for Channel 5’s coverage of the Players Championship. He’s eager to share his insights and experience with viewers.
“I look forward to it,” he said. “I’m getting older in the game, it’s something new, I’ll try it.” He acknowledges the mental challenge of downtime at tournaments, preferring to stay engaged and sharp.
Higgins now balances focused practice – just an hour a day to maintain his edge – with this new broadcasting venture. He’s determined to make the most of his time, both at the table and in the commentary box.
He’ll be providing analysis on Wednesday before returning to competitive play on Thursday, ready to face either Wakelin or Xiao. His journey continues, a remarkable story of longevity, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of snooker.
