John Higgins makes snooker 'old guard' statement after Tour Championship progression

Wishaw's John Higgins believes the £380,000 Tour Championship is only behind the World Championship and Masters as the biggest competition in snooker.

The self-styled 'Triple Crown' of the World's, Masters and UK Championship have been constantly promoted as the gold standard for elite players.

Higgins is one of 11 men to achieve this feat but he rejects the notion that the trio are the top crowns.

A 31-time ranking event winner, he said via Eurosport : "It has taken over the UK Championship without a shadow of a doubt. When I turned professional, you were maybe past your best in your late 30s.

"You see other guys like Joe Perry and Rob Milkins winning tournaments, the old guard are still in there fighting. Ronnie and Mark still here competing. They should be proud because the standard is really high now.

"In my eyes, it is the highest it has ever been, but the three of us are still there competing in the top eight in the last tournament of the season which is a great achievement I think.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, even if I lose I enjoy the moment and the occasion because it won't last forever. I'll certainly be savouring the semi-final."

Higgins wants to end a great season with a victory in Llandudno before going after his fifth world title next month. He beat Zhao Xintong 10-9 in the first quarter-final of the Tour Championship.

The Wishaw Wizard trailed 8-4 before reeling off five frames in a row. Despite Zhao forcing a deciding frame, he couldn't prevent the 46-year-old from securing the win.

He faces Luca Brecel tomorrow at the semi-final stage.

The snooker star added via the BBC : "I can't believe I won that. That's probably one of my best ever wins. 8-4 behind, Zhao was hitting the ball like a dream and I