Ssb - alex's last stand

[MySockPuppet]

Alex Higgins would have turned 62 today.

It seems fitting that the professional snooker circuit is in Ireland on such a day. It was at Goffs in County Kildare that Higgins won his last major title, the 1989 Irish Masters.

It was not long after he had broken his ankle after falling from the window of his flat following a row with his then partner.

Higgins was thought to be a fading star. His opponent in the final, 20 year-old Stephen Hendry, was very much in the ascendancy.

Goffs showring created a unique atmosphere still much missed by players and everyone else on the circuit.

They pulled for Higgins, of course, although Hendry also had his fans. It was a great match which the Hurricane finally won 9-8.

Unfortunately for him he was required to play in the World Championship qualifiers in Preston the next day and, though he was certainly playing well enough to mount a challenge at the Crucible, was beaten by Darren Morgan.

As time passes after his death, the myths and legends around him will grow.

One thing will never be in doubt, though: Alex Higgins was a great snooker player.


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[CueAntW147]

The 1989 Irish Masters was a great match and is available on DVD now called The Hurricanes Last Hurrah.

What can you say that hasn't already been said.........The Legend that was Alex Hurricane Higgins, gone but never forgotten the highs the lows on and off he table but his impact on making snooker the way we see it today was massive.

He played the game with style, flair and panache, probably the only player other players would go and watch, and although sadly missed by his fans will always be remembered as the greatest.

[Kingscratcher]

What a fantastic match this was!! Alex looked beaten on 3 or 4 separate occasions but kept bouncing back, finally snatching an emotional victory, potting the last few colours to continuous applause from the audience - an atmosphere that only Alex could ever create

Thinking about him today, and I'll raise a glass or two to him later.
RIP Hurricane