Higgins Voices Crucible Concerns After Defeating Top Seed
John Higgins, the four-time world snooker champion, recently expressed concerns about the physical demands of competing in the Tour Championship. Despite securing a commendable 6-1 victory over top seed Neil Robertson during the Players Championship in Telford, Higgins remains skeptical about the potential benefits of qualifying for the Championship.
Higgins’ Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Higgins’ impressive win included breaks of 70, 84, and 133, setting him up for a quarter-final face-off against Chris Wakelin. Wakelin reached this stage after defeating Xiao Guodong 6-2, boasting consecutive centuries of 104 and 101. This upcoming match is scheduled for Thursday.
Currently, Higgins ranks 16th on the one-year list, with the top 12 players qualifying for the upcoming Tour Championship, which will take place in Manchester from March 30 to April 5. Following this, Higgins plans to defend his World Open title in Yushan, China, after last year’s victory over Joe O’Connor.
Concerns About Tournament Fatigue
Higgins acknowledges the importance of qualifying for the Tour Championship for potential ranking points. However, he voiced hesitation regarding the possibility of playing too many frames, stating, “If I do qualify and do well there, I could be adding 70 to 80 frames into the tank going into the World Championship.” He is concerned that this might impact his stamina during critical matches.
The Welsh Open, taking place between February 23 and March 1, also presents an opportunity for Higgins to earn vital ranking points. It serves as a crucial stepping stone towards qualifying for the Tour Championship.
Reflections on Past Performances
Reflecting on his previous matches, Higgins highlighted his close encounter with Mark Williams in last year’s World Championship, where he narrowly lost 13-12. Williams later advanced to the finals but ultimately lost to Zhao Xintong. Higgins stated the challenges of winning such tournaments at his age, emphasizing that the mental energy required is often underestimated.
Higgins articulates his commitment to giving his all in the upcoming tournaments, framing his pursuit of success with a blend of determination and realism. As he prepares for the final stretch of the snooker season, he remains hopeful yet cautious about the path ahead.
