🎱 Snooker legend John Higgins is no stranger to controversy, both on and off the table. With a career boasting 33 ranking titles, the Scottish icon trails only behind Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry. But it’s not all sunshine and accolades in the world of snooker.
In 2010, Higgins faced a whirlwind of scandal. Allegations from the News of the World suggested he was involved in match-fixing. However, he was cleared by an independent tribunal, although not without repercussions. Higgins was slapped with a six-month ban and a £75,000 fine for failing to report an illegal approach. He describes this period as “traumatic,” but it didn’t break his spirit. 🏆
Fast-forward to 2022, and another incident had him fuming. During the World Snooker Championship, the BBC mistakenly displayed an English flag next to his name. Furious, Higgins quipped, “England? Am I allowed to swear? That’s really poor from the BBC.” The broadcaster corrected the error, displaying the Scottish flag as Higgins secured a victory.
Despite being 50, John Higgins isn’t ready to retire his cue just yet. Losing to Kyren Wilson in the 2024 Championship hasn’t deterred him; he’s committed to returning to the Crucible. “The sport will have to retire me before I retire myself,” he declared.
Financially, Higgins stands strong with a reported net worth of £8.8 million. This puts him among the wealthiest snooker players, even surpassing Mark Williams.
On the personal front, Higgins shares his life with wife Denise and their three kids. The couple, who met as teenagers, have stood strong through the ups and downs of his career. Family and snooker remain central to Higgins’s world, even as he navigates its challenges.
Through it all, Higgins is still in the game, proving age is just a number when passion leads the way ❤️🤍.