John Higgins reflects on future after World Snooker Championship defeat
John Higgins has opened up about his future in snooker following a narrow 17-15 semi-final defeat to Shaun Murphy at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, reports BritPanorama.
The 51-year-old, known as the Wizard of Wishaw, came agonisingly close to reaching a ninth Crucible final after defeating Ali Carter, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Neil Robertson in earlier rounds. However, he ultimately fell short, marking a significant moment in a career that has seen him remain one of snooker’s leading players.
Despite his elite status, Higgins anticipates stepping away from professional snooker if his ranking falls outside the top 16. “That scenario appears distant given his current form,” he noted, yet he acknowledged that his remarkable career is nearing its conclusion.
Having maintained seeded status at every World Championship since 1996, Higgins struggles to picture himself competing in qualifying rounds for major tournaments. He stated, “I don’t think I can see myself having to qualify for big events,” highlighting the challenges he faces in the latter stages of his career.
With a rich history in the sport, the prospect of starting over in qualifying stages is a daunting one for Higgins. “I think I’ll be doing well to be back here playing it,” he admitted, casting doubt on his return following a renovation project that will temporarily relocate the World Championship after 2028.
Murphy, who triumphed in the semi-final, praised Higgins, describing their match as an exhausting yet exhilarating experience. “What a player, what a man. The harder it gets, the better he seems to play,” Murphy remarked, reflecting on Higgins’ enduring excellence in snooker.
Moving on from this intense battle, Murphy will face Wu Yize in the final after the Chinese player overcame Mark Allen. As the championship unfolds, Higgins’ contributions and legacy in the sport remain indelible, a testament to the enduring allure of snooker.
