Masters Snooker: John Higgins still loves sport three decades on from first ranking title win

Snooker star John Higgins insists the fire still burns for the sport as he prepares for his first tournament of 2024 this week.

The Wizard of Wishaw will get the year underway at The Mr Q Masters in London tomorow when he meets Mark Allan in round one, which comes 30 years after his first ranking title win in 1994.

Now 48, Higgins says he is still in love with snooker after title near-misses and frustrations in recent years.

The four-time world champion told the BBC: “When you’re younger you don’t feel any nerves, but when you get a bit older you start to think of things that can go wrong.

“You’re fighting your own self sometimes rather than the opponent.

“It’s a sport you can play at a good level when you’re nearly hitting 50, as long as your eyesight is all right.

“I try to be more aggressive but it’s difficult when you’re out there under the lights in the bear pit.

“I’ve been to four semi-finals this season and just not been able to get over that hurdle.

“But I still love it.

“Most of the players are working-class guys and there are incredible riches to play for.

“That keeps us level headed and I’ve been lucky enough to have had some good times.

“I have been incredibly lucky to play a sport I love and keep providing for my family.”

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