What Incredible Stat Did John Higgins Achieve After Thrashing Neil Robertson?

John Higgins has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Players Championship, showcasing his remarkable talent with a 6-1 victory over Neil Robertson. This win highlights an incredible statistic in Higgins' illustrious career, as he prepares for his 155th ranking event quarter-final, cementing his legacy as one of snooker's greatest players.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

John Higgins' recent triumph against Neil Robertson in the Players Championship not only secures his spot in the quarter-finals but also underscores his extraordinary longevity and consistency in professional snooker. At 50 years old, Higgins remains a formidable presence, currently ranked fifth in the world. His upcoming match against either Chris Wakelin or Xiao Guodong will be another opportunity to add to his impressive tally of quarter-finals.

Key takeaways

Higgins' 6-1 victory over Robertson marked his 155th ranking event quarter-final.
He has reached the quarter-finals of 45.72% of the ranking events he has entered.
The win against Robertson featured breaks of 133, 84, and 70, showcasing his peak performance.

Timeline: how we got here

John Higgins has had a storied career since turning professional in 1992. The Players Championship, where he recently excelled, is just one of many milestones in his career. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

1974: The first ranking event, the World Championship, is held.
1992: Higgins turns professional, beginning his journey in snooker.
2023: Higgins reaches his 155th ranking event quarter-final at the Players Championship.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Higgins has demonstrated his enduring skill by defeating Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals of the Players Championship. His ability to adapt his game, including modifications to his cue and technique, highlights his innovative approach to maintaining performance at a high level.

What was already established

Higgins is one of the most successful players in snooker history, with a career that includes multiple world championships and ranking titles. His ability to reach the latter stages of tournaments has been a consistent feature throughout his career, contributing to his standing as a legend in the sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Higgins' performance can lift the profile of snooker in the UK, potentially increasing viewership and interest in the sport. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on local businesses surrounding snooker events, including hospitality and merchandise sales.

Businesses and jobs

As Higgins continues to compete at a high level, it may inspire young players and boost participation rates in snooker, fostering future talent. Increased media coverage can also lead to sponsorship opportunities and job creation within the sporting sector.

Policy and regulation

The success of players like Higgins can prompt discussions around funding and support for snooker at grassroots and professional levels. It may also lead to regulatory bodies reassessing their approaches to promoting the sport and its events.

Numbers that matter

155: The number of ranking event quarter-finals Higgins has reached, the most in snooker history.
456: Total number of ranking events in snooker history, since the first in 1974.
33.99%: The percentage of ranking tournaments where Higgins has reached the quarter-finals.
339: The number of ranking events Higgins has competed in throughout his career.
5: Higgins' current world ranking, demonstrating his continued competitiveness.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ranking event: A professional snooker tournament where players earn ranking points based on their performance.
Quarter-final: The stage in a knockout tournament where the last eight competitors compete to progress to the semi-finals.
Break: The number of points scored by a player in a single turn at the table, without missing a shot.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can look forward to Higgins' upcoming matches in the Players Championship, where he aims for his 34th ranking title. His performance will be closely monitored as he continues to adapt his game.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the snooker season progresses, Higgins will likely participate in more ranking events, providing opportunities for further achievements and possibly influencing the next generation of snooker players.

Signals to watch

Performance in the Players Championship and subsequent tournaments.
Changes in Higgins' technique and equipment, and their impact on his game.
Media coverage and audience engagement metrics surrounding Higgins' matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Higgins' matches to gain insights into high-level snooker strategy.
Stay updated on the latest snooker news and events to understand player dynamics.
Consider attending local snooker clubs or events to support the sport.

Don’t

Don’t miss the chance to watch live snooker, as it offers unique excitement and atmosphere.
Don’t underestimate the importance of technique and preparation in snooker.
Don’t ignore the potential for new players emerging in the sport.

Checklist

Keep track of upcoming matches and events featuring Higgins.
Watch for equipment changes among top players.
Engage with snooker communities for discussions and insights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Higgins' achievements are impressive, it's important to acknowledge the physical demands of snooker at a professional level. His age could influence his performance in the long term, as could potential injuries or changes in the competitive landscape of the sport. Additionally, the evolving dynamics of snooker, including emerging players and changing rules, may impact established players like Higgins.

Bottom line

John Higgins continues to defy age and expectations with his performance in snooker, proving that he remains a top competitor in the sport. As he heads towards another quarter-final, fans should appreciate his contributions to snooker and the potential for more milestones in his remarkable career.

FAQs

How many quarter-finals has John Higgins reached?

John Higgins has reached 155 quarter-finals in ranking events, the most of any player in snooker history.

What is the Players Championship?

The Players Championship is a professional snooker tournament that features top players competing for ranking points and prize money.

What equipment changes has Higgins made recently?

Higgins has changed his cue diameter and adjusted his grip technique to enhance his performance in recent matches.