John Higgins looking to end Ronnie's Premier League reign

John Higgins will be aiming for a second Premier League title, at Potters this weekend.

MICHAEL BAILEY
26 November 2009 10:45

Reigning world champion John Higgins cannot wait to take to the Potters baize this weekend as he bids to end Ronnie O'Sullivan's Premier League dominance.

The 34-year-old Scot - known as the Wizard of Wishaw - will join O'Sullivan, youngster Judd Trump and world number three Shaun Murphy for the snooker extravaganza, which starts Saturday evening at the Hopton leisure resort.

And with O'Sullivan aiming for an unprecedented sixth consecutive Premier League title under the tournament's 25-second shot clock rule, Higgins knows his potential opponent in Sunday's final will be the man everyone needs to beat.

“You have to be a great player to win any tournament - but especially to win one five times straight,” said Higgins.

“Since the introduction of the shot clock, it's played into Ronnie's hands and his natural game, while others sometimes need that bit longer to consider things, and that's when they can get found out.

“I've played better with it recently than at the start. I was always struggling and even though I like to be quite fluent, there are still times when I like to take my time.

“I still end up using my time-outs quicker than I should.”

Three-time world champion Higgins won the Premier League in 1999 and has been a losing finalist three times - twice to O'Sullivan.

However, Higgins is the only undefeated player left in this year's competition after topping the qualifying group - which also included Marco Fu, Stephen Hendry and Neil Robertson - and he finished his fixtures with a classy 4-2 win over O'Sullivan, in Llandudno last week.

“It doesn't matter where you finish in the group, it is a brand new tournament from here and whoever gets through to the knockout stages has a great chance of winning it,” said Higgins.

“It's going to be a great weekend of snooker. I watched the finals last year and the crowds at Potters looked fantastic, so I'm sure the players will enjoy that and I'm really looking forward to it.

“I enjoy the whole atmosphere. When you play in normal, run of the mill tournaments the crowds aren't great, but the Premier League is always in front of packed houses and a great experience - especially with the shot clock as well.

“That's the reason why I think lots of players go on about Barry Hearn getting more involved. He's been great with other sports, like the darts, and snooker needs a shot in the arm from someone who knows how to do it.”

Higgins has not been to Norfolk before, but as a boyhood Celtic fan he is hoping one tenuous connection may see the crowd on his side - current Norwich City manager Paul Lambert.

“I've met him a couple of times. He's a smashing guy and I wish him all the best at Norwich,” said Higgins.

“He was one of my heroes. He played under some great coaches, was a Scotland regular and is one of those players that will always have a big part of every Celtic supporter's heart.

“I don't know where Paul will be, but if he could get along it would be great to catch up with him again and share a coffee.”

Higgins faces Murphy in one of two first-to-five frames semi-finals on Saturday evening, and as Hendry found out last year in being swept aside 5-0 by Mark Selby in double-quick time, a competent start is vital.

“If you let the other guy get a head start it can run away from you, so I've got to get into it early,” said Higgins.

“My form's been OK, it's consistent enough. That is what you've got to do and in the last few years I've maybe not done that.

“I feel I can go to the table and be capable of playing well, and that's a good feeling to have.”

O'Sullivan is certainly aware of the threat posed by Higgins as the Rocket goes in search of his eighth Premier League crown.

Speaking after his defeat to Higgins last week, he said: “When John plays like that he is the best player in the world. He doesn't play a wrong shot and his safety is very good - he's a fantastic player.

“John is playing with a lot of confidence and feeling good about himself and he's one of those players who, when he's on form, you have to be as well.

“If you get a chance you have to put him under pressure and if you don't, he will stamp on you.”

O'Sullivan has 20-year-old Trump standing in his way in Saturday's other semi-final, before Sunday night's first-to-seven final.

* For information on the weekend breaks and snooker-only tickets at Potters this weekend, call the box office on 0845 437 9890 or visit pottersholidays.com

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