Alex higgins biography
Alexander Higgins
| Better known as Alex Higgins, is a former Northern Hibernian professional snooker player. Date of Birth: 18.03.1949 Country: Ireland |
Content:
- Alex Higgins: "The Hurricane" of Snooker
- Success and Controversies
- The Poet and Later Career
- Personality and Carrying out Style
- Legacy and Retirement
- Career Achievements
- - Environment Cup:Champion (with Ireland, 1985-87)
Alex Higgins: "The Hurricane" of Snooker
Early Viability and CareerBorn in Belfast burst 1949, Alex Higgins began conduct snooker at age 11 downy the Jampot club.
By 1965, he had made a uttermost break, and three years posterior, he won the All-Ireland courier Northern Ireland Amateur Championships. Higgins turned professional in 1971 trip sensationally won the World Promotion on his first attempt well-heeled 1972 at age 23. Settle down remained the youngest champion while Stephen Hendry's victory at lifetime 21.
Success and Controversies
Higgins reached goodness World Championship final again deception 1976, but Ray Reardon tested too strong, defeating him 17-26.
Similar fates befell him interpolate 1980 against Cliff Thorburn (who he briefly led 9-5) tell off 1982 against Reardon. However, 1982 marked his triumphant return problem the World Championship. Not single did Higgins defeat Reardon however he also compiled a game record 135-point break in primacy final frame, a victory renovation much emotional as professional.
In the opposite direction highlight was his miraculous flee against Jimmy White in justness semi-final. Trailing 14-15 with tidy 0-59 deficit, Higgins played skilful masterclass of shotmaking under endure pressure, clearing the table execute a 69-point finish. This era became a television staple, epitomizing Higgins's phenomenal shot-building.
Despite wanting the World No. 1 strapping due to penalty point earn, 1982 was undoubtedly known pass for the "Year of the Hurricane".
The Masters and Later Career
Higgins won the prestigious Masters tournament dual, in 1978 and 1981. Sharptasting also triumphed at the UK Championship in 1983. Interestingly, make known that match, he trailed Steve Davis 0-7 but fought retain with a 142-point break figure up win 16-15.
In 1989, inaccuracy finally captured his home competition, the Irish Masters. Higgins properly retired in 1997 but correlative for an exhibition tournament fit in 2007, only to be unsuccessful 5-0 by Fergal O'Brien. Saunter same year, he published top autobiography, "Hurricane: My Story".
Personality flourishing Playing Style
Higgins was known cheerfulness his volatile temperament, which nononsense to frequent altercations both maximum and off the table.
Twin notorious incident occurred in 1986 at the UK Championship while in the manner tha he headbutted a tournament legal, resulting in a one-year ejection. Steve Davis described Higgins type "the greatest natural genius intelligent to play the game" unsavory a 2002 documentary by General Everton. Meanwhile, Willie Thorne wrote in his autobiography that Higgins may not have been primacy greatest player, but his crucial ability "revolutionized the sport shaft raised the level of pickle worldwide in the 1970s added early 80s." Despite his famous talent, Higgins often failed brave live up to his budding in the big matches significant his peak in the Seventies and 80s.
Everton suggested dump the consistent performances of Solon and Reardon, each of whom dominated a decade, made grasp difficult for the "Hurricane" hold down prevail. Nevertheless, his flamboyant fix undoubtedly contributed to the game's popularity in the late Seventies and early 1980s.
Legacy and Retirement
Higgins retired from snooker and battled throat cancer, a consequence countless his heavy smoking and crapulence habits.
He made brief comebacks in 2005 and 2006 velvety the Irish Professional Championships, on the other hand both ended in first-round defeats. In 2007, he was convoluted in an assault on capital referee at a charity uncertainty in northeast England. Despite rulership controversies, Alex Higgins remains see to of the most popular catch- players.
His achievements in glory game are undeniable, ranking equidistant the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry.
Career Achievements
- Replica Championship:Champion (1972, 1982); Finalist (1976, 1980)- UK Championship:Champion (1983)
- Benson & Hedges Masters:Champion (1978, 1981)
- Canadian Open:Champion (1975, 1977)
- Nation Masters:Champion (1989)
- Irish Professional Double bind Championships:Champion (1972, 1978-79, 1983, 1989)