John Higgins is in the World Open final. (Image: Getty.)
revealed that his wife Denise will miss the Scot vying for his first ranking title since 2021. The 49-year-old, a four-time world champion, has won 31 ranking titles in his career but the Players Championship four years ago was the last time he added to that tally. That could change in Yushan, where Higgins takes on Joe O’Connor with a £175,000 cash prize at stake. O’Connor has been in some of the best form of his young career, but knows a huge test awaits against the veteran.
However, Higgins’ wife unfortunately will not be by his side on Saturday in what could be one of the finest moments of his twilight years in snooker. He shared the heartbreaking news by telling : “It’s just a shame, my missus is coming to Hong Kong and she’s going to be flying tomorrow while I’ll be playing the final. “We didn’t work that out right, she’s getting on a flight today to Hong Kong, so hopefully when she lands I’ll have a chance of winning the title.”
When she touches down in Hong Kong, Denise will hope to arrive to news that her husband is a World Open champion for a fifth time before the pair head to the World Grand Prix.
But Higgins is firmly aware that despite O’Connor never winning a ranking title, he will come out all guns blazing after a barnstorming week and semi-final victory over Ali Carter.
“Listen, two of the best cueists in the game, that’s what I think, Ali and Joe. Such great cueists,” Higgins said before the outcome of the second semi. “Joe’s playing amazing. It’ll be a tough game whoever comes through. Two great players.”
The Leicester cueman endured an underwhelming start to the season but reached the quarter-finals of the Welsh Open and carried on that form in China.
John Higgins kissing his wife after winning the 2015 Welsh Open. (Image: Getty)
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Higgins, meanwhile, has needed to win deciders against Zhou Yuelong and Zak Surety to book his place in the final. Having missed out on titles in dramatic late circumstances, he will hope that coming through in such fashion leaves the Scot better prepared for another late finish.
“I have been on the receiving end of so many deciders in the last few years,” Higgins added.
“Maybe beating Zhou Yuelong 5-4 this week helped me because I was able to keep myself under control today. There was pressure at the end and I still had to go in and pot the balls.”
O’Connor, world No. 39, is out to deny Higgins and claim his maiden title, however: “I feel more of a complete player, a lot more consistent now and my scoring has definitely improved. Hopefully I can continue and who knows what will happen in the final.”