John Higgins admits ‘it is difficult’ dealing with Ronnie O’Sullivan Class of 92 comparisons

John Higgins has admitted it is tough living in the shadow of fellow class of 92 alumnus Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Mark Williams is the third of the fabled Class of 92, and the Welshman showed his mettle with victory in the British Open earlier in the season.

Higgins’ only titles in the past couple of seasons have been at the Championship League, and he has suffered heartbreaking losses in finals.

It was a scrappy performance, but Higgins was happy to get through – albeit he admitted it was tough being compared to O’Sullivan, who was alongside the Scot working as a pundit for Eurosport.

“It is that we are in the era you (O’Sullivan) are in and you are still winning the big events,” Higgins told Eurosport. “I am getting judged on that and if he is not around and I am still playing to this level at 48 people would be saying it’s a remarkable achievement.

“But you are up against this guy in the same age group, he is a one-off, so it is difficult, but I still believe I am doing okay for who I am.”

Higgins has never won the Scottish Open – he has two losses in finals on his record – and is striving to win only a second ranking title on home soil.

“I think I have only ever won one tournament in Scotland (the 2008 Grand Prix),” Higgins said. “So it would be amazing to try and win here.

“It was a big win for me as I have lost a few times to Tom and he is such an improved player. His head does not really go like it used to. He is a top, top player so it is a big win for me.”