John Higgins has come full circle, rising from years of personal doubt to clinch his first ranking title in nearly four years at the World Open snooker tournament. The Wizard of Wishaw achieved this remarkable feat on March 1, 2025, overpowering Joe O'Connor with a compelling 10-6 victory. The triumph, secured on Chinese soil, not only awarded Higgins £175,000 but also marked his return to the elite top eight of the world rankings—a position he hasn’t held since before the pandemic struck.
At the age of 49, Higgins shares the competitive arena with other legendary snooker figures, including Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams. Post-victory, Higgins expressed his admiration for his contemporaries, stating, "I am still in there fighting with the likes of Mark and Ronnie, two great players. I will be brutally honest, they are the only two guys I would probably want to sit down with and ask the question: 'How does it feel to still be up there at the top of the game at 49-50?'" This candid admission reveals the respect and rivalry present between the seasoned athletes, each having paved their way from the start of professional snooker back in 1992.
Higgins' recent victory has reinvigorated his ambition to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The former world number one previously endured five consecutive defeats in ranking finals, leaving him questioning his abilities to reclaim past glory. His win at the World Open, characterized by his dominating lead of 6-2 at the interval before holding firm to seal the contest, brings newfound hope. "This is massive," Higgins affirmed. "At 49, people would be thinking I would never get there again. The spin-offs of winning a big Chinese money event can establish you for the next couple of years. It takes the pressure off. This has been massive for my confidence."
With his victory, Higgins aims to garner momentum as he navigates the demanding snooker circuit. The victory holds immense significance, allowing him to re-establish himself among the elite. "To get a win for myself and put myself back in to be mentioned with those two guys is special," he recognized, underscoring the impact of his competitive resurgence. The upcoming week will see Higgins facing world number 14 Ali Carter at the World Grand Prix, injecting added excitement and uncertainty as he heads back to the tables so soon after his success.
Reflecting on the upcoming competition, Higgins admitted, "It has been a long time since I have won a big event. So to win this and then roll to the next one, I am not used to it. I really don’t know how I will feel on Tuesday. It could help me or I could run onto a brick wall." His honesty speaks volumes about the psychological hurdles athletes face, especially after experiencing fluctuated performances throughout his career.
Higgins finds himself at the intersection of rediscovery and the realities of aging within the sport. While thrilled to achieve recent success, he acknowledges the mental fatigue linked with previous defeats and the waiting period for success. Despite these challenges, victory has emboldened the three-time world champion as he now seeks to solidify his status during matches—something he had concerning doubts about leading up to the World Open.
Competing against O'Sullivan and Williams as they approach their fifties adds layers to Higgins' inquiries. There's camaraderie coupled with rivalry; all three players have demonstrated remarkable skill even near the pinnacle of qualifying ages for professional athletes. Higgins's respectful distance before posing his questions to his peers points to the complexity of their relationships as competitors. He knows the answers to his questions would come with time; for now, his focus remains on maximizing his present form as he builds off his pivotal win.
For Higgins, the question remains unanswered: How do his rivals maintain excellence at nearly 50? The question may linger, but Higgins revels and appreciates the chance to compete with them at this enriching stage of their careers. His experience speaks to tenacity, determination, and skill, emphasizing how athletes can maintain relevance even as they approach the twilight of their competitive time.
With his newfound confidence and continuing ambition, Higgins remains focused on reclaiming his place at the pinnacle of the sport. Following his World Open triumph, he is set to face Ali Carter, tested by the adrenaline of recent success. Whether his victory serves as the starting point of sustained success remains to be seen, but for now, Higgins celebrates the return to form—the dedication to snooker still burns bright.