‘We should be finished!’ – John Higgins unsure why younger snooker players are struggling to make breakthrough

John Higgins believes himself, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams “should be finished” and is unsure why younger players have been unable to breakthrough the ranks. The Class of '92 have been consistently among snooker’s elite for three decades, with 14 world titles between them. Ad Higgins, O’Sullivan and Williams made up three of the four semi-finalists at this year’s World Championship in Sheffield.

Northern Ireland Open'It's weird' — Why O'Sullivan is 'really surprised' about snooker's young players7 HOURS AGO “I think it's harder for the younger guys coming through because you've still got the likes of yourself [O’Sullivan], myself and Mark Williams,” Higgins said alongside O'Sullivan in the Eurosport studio after he came back to beat Jackson Page 4-3 at the Northern Ireland Open. “Us at 48 years old should be finished. It's hard for these guys to come through.

When you [O'Sullivan] were coming through you were playing 48-year-olds and you would knock them up pretty easily. It's pretty tough for these guys.” Higgins was set for an early exit in Belfast against 21-year-old Page, as he trailed 3-2 and by 64 points in the sixth frame. However, he came back with a great clearance and went on to win the match.

O’Sullivan says Page’s inability to put Higgins away was “unforgivable” and questioned why nobody has risen to the top of snooker over the last 10 years. «The last special young talent that came through for me was Judd Trump,” said O’Sullivan. “Anyone younger than him they've looked good in spells but it's hard to pick someone out.

I know Zhao Xintong is an amazing talent, but for that talent he has got he's not really won as much. He's 25. You're always looking for someone.