John Higgins

[Sonny]

I think this fella deserves a thread even though I don't really know which forum to post it in...


....Anyway.... what is it with this man? Ronnie grabbed all the headlines back in the early 90s but any follower of the scene will tell you that John Higgins was right up there and beating Ronnie on a regular basis... just in a less mind bogglingly genius kind of way.

In the late 90's John Higgins was winning everything and was fast emerging as the main man from the "big 4" of the time, the others obviously being Hendry, O'Sullivan and Williams. So what the hell happened? He's certainly shrugged off the image of being a truely great break builder without ever scoring a 147. He seems to get one in virtually every match these days, but for some reason keeps going out early on in tournaments when playing pretty well!

I mean seriously what the hell is going on? All the players and commentators still treat him like an all time great and as we all know the best of 9 frame match is a sprint to 5... but come on, why does he seem to play well and lose all the time?

[Templeton Peck]

He's probably still treated like an all-time great because everyone knows he won't stay in this rut forever. He seemed to lose a bit of ground after his son was born and is struggling to make it up, but I still believe he will win another world championship.

[kaybebaby]

At the moment, I don't really see how he will get out of this valley. He seems to have ZERO confidence in his own abilities, and everytime he gets kicked out of a tournament early, it gets worse. I don't think he enjoys it anymore. Watched an old match between him and Doherty, and the difference in just the way he walks around the table between back then and now is astonishing. Nowadays he is lurking around it as if he is afraid to go ahead and play! I am really concerned that he will disappear from the scene in one or two seasons' times. Which would be horrible, he's my favourite player!!

Added to that, if I am not mistaken, his wife is going to have a baby around the time of the British Open. Like that is going to help his concentration during the BO and the UK championship!

Will keep my fingers crossed for him, though, and there have been so many players in the past who disappeared for a while and then made a nice comeback. I really hope that is the case with him He deserves it for sure!

[kaybebaby]

P.S. You might have noticed or not that there is a charity auction on ebay where you can win to play a frame against him during the Masters in Feb. Runs out this Friday, I think. Might be worth checking out for those of you who think they can take on the man!

[snazzydevil]

Not only do I know it would probably be the quickest frame of his life. I know that there's no way I could afford such a purchase. Though I sure would be honoured to have my but whipped by him. Whats the going price? I could not find it.

Anyway, maybe he just needs a break from the game. Spend a year with his baby?? Could do a world of wonders.

[kaybebaby]

Not only do I know it would probably be the quickest frame of his life.

He probably wouldn't know what hit him if he played against me. I am a passive snooker lover - looove watching, can't play at all.

Whats the going price? I could not find it.

I think it's on 74 Pounds at the moment.

Anyway, maybe he just needs a break from the game. Spend a year with his baby?? Could do a world of wonders.

Yeah, I agree. Would be great if he made a comeback.

[snazzydevil]

74pounds? That seems a bit low to me.

It would only be good if he made a comeback if he regained some passion for the game determination to win. You wouldn't want him to comeback just for the sake of appearance.

[kaybebaby]

It is a crying shame, isn't it?? People are willing to spend 680 Pounds to go on the road with Mark Owen, and 1,700 Pounds to have dinner with Marillion, and only measily 74 Pounds so far for Higgins. Where is this world coming to....

Judging by how p***ed off he got when he got kicked out of the World Championship this year, I think he still has the passion. All he now needs is persuade his concentration to come back from holiday.

[snazzydevil]

Lets not get too crabby about the price just yet....how long to go in the auction?

OK, so passion is not the problem? And if it's a cencentration problem, the underlying problem could be anything. Money? Family? Just how long has he been in the winning drought?

[kaybebaby]

5 days for the auction (still tons of time to improve). I think he hasnt won a title since 2001 .

[chrisdebag]

i dont think he has ever been the same since my friend shook his hand after winning the welsh open a few years ago

always a total curse

[kaybebaby]

I KNEW IT!!!

But that is so cool! I'd never wash my hands again.... EVER.

[chrisdebag]

my friend wore the brightest yellow shirt in history just so the cameras would pick him out

no wonder higgins cant win anymore he was probably blinded

[kaybebaby]

Was that an attempt to sabotage his career? All I can say is, he's the Wizard of Wishaw, he doesnt need his eyes to do his magic on the snooker table!

(Maybe he should play blindfolded next time........ )

[Q-Tip]

he doesnt need his eyes to do his magic on the snooker table!

(Maybe he should play blindfolded next time........ )

Yes, he should just try to feel the force...