Stephen Hendry believes John Higgins has been the standout model of consistency this season, but insists the veteran Scot will only feel fully satisfied if he converts that form into silverware.
Higgins, now 50, ended a four-year ranking title drought last March by defeating Joe O’Connor 10-6 to claim the World Open in Yushan. He followed that success with a 10-8 victory over Mark Selby in the Tour Championship final in Manchester.
This term, however, he has repeatedly come close without lifting a trophy. Higgins finished runner-up at the International Championship, the Masters, and the Players Championship, and also reached the semi-finals of the British Open and Welsh Open. Quarter-final exits at the Wuhan Open, Northern Ireland Open, Champion of Champions and Riyadh Season Championship have helped push his seasonal earnings beyond £500,000.
Despite those deep runs, Hendry noted that Higgins’ own standards remain exceptionally high. Speaking on the World Snooker Tour podcast, he suggested Higgins would be frustrated that his level dipped in key finals. According to Hendry, Higgins produced top-class snooker to reach those showpieces but underperformed on the biggest stage, particularly at the Masters and Players Championship.
Higgins himself admitted disappointment after losing 10-6 to Wu Yize at the International Championship, 10-6 to Kyren Wilson at the Masters, and 10-7 to Zhao Xintong in the Players Championship final. He acknowledged missing crucial chances and fading at decisive moments, describing his performances in those finals as below his best.
Even so, Higgins has shown resilience. He became the oldest ranking-event finalist since 53-year-old Rex Williams reached the Grand Prix final in 1986. With solid form behind him, he will defend his World Open crown before turning his focus to the season’s climax the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield where he aims to make more history.
Be the first to comment