John Higgins has Ronnie O'Sullivan theory as Wizard of Wishaw reveals why he couldn't take snooker break

Wizard of Wishaw John Higgins reckons he knows why Ronnie O'Sullivan pulled out of the Welsh Open at the 11th hour.

The Rocket hasn't competed since a frustrating Championship League campaign, where he snapped and binned and cue and lashed out at a table. That led to him withdrawing from the Masters, where he was due to face old rival Higgins in the opening match, and opt against competing in the German Masters later in the month. However four time world champion Higgins, who breezed into the last 16 with a 4-0 win against Robert Milkins, believes Ronnie isn't ready to retire just yet.

Speaking to the Metro after his victory, Higgins said: "I think he’ll be back, I think obviously it’s well-documented with his cue. I think he’s the sort of guy who will not want to turn up to an event and not be used to the new piece of equipment that he wants to use. I think he’ll be putting the hours in behind the scenes and getting himself ready for the last part of the season, without a doubt."

Higgins was also asked about his future, as he nears his 50th birthday - but has no intention of calling it quits just yet. He continued: "What would I do? What would I do apart from just get on my wife’s nerves? It’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t know what else I’d do.

"You see it happening with people when they retire from their jobs, it’s tough for them. I think I’ll just keep on going. It’s not hard work at the end of the day, it’s not hard work. Going to these place, nice hotels, flying there, it’s not hard work."

Higgins will meet either Mark Allen or Yuan Sijun in last 16, and has shown encouraging signs of a return to form - albeit with his form later in tournaments being questioned by Eurosport pundit, and former pro, Alan McManus.