Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
John Higgins’ World Championship Participation in Doubt Due to Family Emergency
Four-time world snooker champion John Higgins’ participation in the upcoming World Championship at the Crucible is uncertain following a family emergency. The veteran player had to withdraw from the Champions’ Dinner and subsequent pre-tournament events after his father-in-law experienced a heart attack, casting a shadow over his anticipated campaign.
Higgins Misses Pre-Tournament Events
Higgins, a pre-tournament favourite and seeded third, was notably absent from Thursday evening’s Champions’ Dinner, an event hosted by the reigning world champion Kyren Wilson and attended by snooker legends such as Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis. His absence continued through yesterday’s Green Carpet ceremony and the pre-event media day, as he opted to remain in Scotland to support his family.
Uncertainty Looms Over Crucible Appearance
The “Wizard of Wishaw’s” withdrawal from these events raises concerns about his participation in the prestigious World Championship. Higgins is scheduled to face Joe O’Connor in his opening match on Monday, but his current situation might impact his ability to compete. Should he participate and triumph, Higgins would become the oldest player to ever win the coveted world title.
Recent Form and Championship Aspirations
Despite the current family matter, Higgins enters the tournament in strong form, having secured victory in two of the three preceding tournaments leading up to the Crucible showpiece. This recent success has fuelled his ambition to add another world championship to his illustrious career.
- Won two of the last three tournaments before the World Championship.
- Aims to become the oldest World Champion in history.
Higgins’ Prior Comments on Retirement
Last year, Higgins had suggested that this year’s championship could be his last appearance at the Crucible. However, his return to winning form has reignited his passion for the game and spurred him to pursue further titles.
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Renewed Self-Belief and Optimism
Reflecting on his recent victories, Higgins expressed renewed confidence: ‘Never stop believing, never stop believing. It will be nice going back to the Crucible with more self belief. It demonstrates how rapidly fortunes can change. It highlights the importance of maintaining faith in oneself and the sport.’
He further added, ‘Brighter days are always on the horizon. Over the years, I have consistently aimed to secure victories in events leading up to the Crucible to cultivate inner confidence, and I have achieved that this season. This is a feeling I have lacked in the past couple of years, so having it now at the outset is advantageous.’
‘This year marks the first time in four years that I return as a champion, having experienced the elation of victory. I will be approaching the tournament with a positive mindset.’
Recent Title Wins and Family Support
Higgins ended a four-year drought for ranking titles at the World Open in China last month. Although his wife Denise could not be present at that victory due to travel commitments, she and his family were there to celebrate his subsequent triumph at the Tour Championship, his 33rd ranking title.
‘It’s truly wonderful, because while I have won titles previously, my children were much younger then, but they are now adults,’ Higgins remarked. ‘They are, understandably, incredibly proud, and I in turn am immensely proud of them. It’s a truly magnificent moment for us.’
Personal Life
John Higgins and Denise, his childhood sweetheart, married in 2000 and have three children: two sons and a daughter.