World champion John Higgins pays tribute to family for support in World Snooker Championship 2011
Scotsman John Higgins paid tribute to his family for their continuous support during the World Snooker Championship 2011 after he grabbed fourth title of his career at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Monday.
The world number one broke down into tears when he was asked about his father, late John Higgins senior at the end of the final match against Judd Trump. The Scottish cueman lost his father in February 2011 right in the middle of the German Masters 2011.
Higgins had to withdraw from the tournament after he received the news of his father’s death.
“He’s been at the back of my thoughts. He’ll be up there, having a party,” Higgins said. “It’s an unbelievable moment to win it again. It’s been amazing.”
In 2010, Higgins was accused of match-fixing following a UK newspaper sting operation. The newspaper reported that Higgins had agreed to receive £261,000 for losing four frames during the World Snooker Championship 2010. However, the allegations were never
proved after a detailed investigation. Higgins acknowledged his family’s support during the trouble as well as in the championship.
He said, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. It’s just an unbelievable 12 months but it’s been great. I have certainly found out who my friends are - and (my wife) Denise has been my rock, an amazing woman who has kept the family together. This is
far and away the biggest and best I’ve ever won, no question.”
The 35-year-old Higgins lifted fourth title of his career on Monday after beating the youngster Judd Trump 18-15 at the Crucible. He praised the emerging snooker star as a great player and future of the game as he faced a tough fight from him during their
final match of the Championship.
“I was frightened to death to even play safe as I knew Judd would knock a long pot in and he has been incredible. He’s a good-looking boy, young, exciting. The old has-beens like us will be around for a few more years to ruffle them up but he’s definitely
the future which is great,” said Higgins.
On the other hand, the 21-year-old Bristolian has no regrets of losing at the world championship. He is aiming to win the Championship next year and hopefully reach the summit of world rankings.
Tags: