JOHN HIGGINS’ RESPONSE AFTER HEARTBREAKING ADMISSION SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND THE CUE.

JOHN HIGGINS’ RESPONSE AFTER HEARTBREAKING ADMISSION SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND THE CUE.

 

 

John Higgins didn’t just survive the storm — he turned it into fuel.

After a crushing admission that nearly cost him everything — a 2010 sting operation that caught him “playing along” with fake promoters who offered €300,000 to fix frames — Higgins faced the toughest choice: walk away… or fight back harder.

He chose to fight.

And now, at 49 years old, still grinding on the tour, still making century breaks and reaching quarter-finals, his recent remarks after beating Kyren Wilson 4-2 in the World Grand Prix last week say more about his character than any trophy ever could.

“I go through some dark times,” Higgins told Rob Walker for the World Snooker Tour. “Drives home, flights home… you’re talking to yourself: ‘Do you really need to do this?’ But the competitive fire inside you? It doesn’t let you quit.”

That line alone tells the story.

Higgins wasn’t just apologizing for his mistake back in 2010 — he was owning it. The independent tribunal cleared him of match-fixing but found him guilty of “giving the impression” he’d breach betting rules and failing to report the approach — a judgment that cost him six months’ suspension and £75,000 fine ². Instead of hiding or raging, Higgins publicly accepted responsibility, rebuilt his reputation, and returned stronger — winning his fourth World Championship in 2011, then adding two ranking titles in the 2024-25 season, ending a four-year drought.

Now, as he edges past Ronnie O’Sullivan for the most quarter-final appearances in ranking events, Higgins’ candor feels almost therapeutic.

“It’s not about being perfect,” he said. “It’s about getting back up. I’ve lost heartbreaking finals. I’ve been heckled in the arena. I’ve questioned my place in the game. But I keep coming back because I love this sport — and because I believe in second chances.”

His honesty resonates beyond snooker.

In an era where athletes often deflect blame or spin narratives, Higgins’ raw admission — “you go through dark times” — humanizes him. It reminds fans that greatness isn’t just about winning; it’s about surviving defeat, owning mistakes, and refusing to surrender.

Even after reaching the Masters final this year at age 50 — becoming the oldest Triple Crown finalist ever — Higgins showed humility: “I felt no pressure whatsoever. Winning the World Open took a big monkey off my back… now I can pick and choose events.” ¹

That shift speaks volumes.

He’s not chasing glory anymore — he’s curating legacy. Still ranked inside the top 16, Higgins has financial security and freedom to enjoy the game on his terms. But he hasn’t retired. Why?

Because he still loves the grind.

Because he still believes in redemption.

Because he knows every mistake teaches something — and every comeback inspires someone.

Critics might say his past should haunt him forever. Fans might argue he deserves grace. But Higgins doesn’t wait for permission to be great again — he earns it, frame by frame.

His response after that heartbreaking admission? Not excuses. Not anger. Just grit.

And that, more than any century break, defines the Wizard of Wishaw.