John Higgins says staying in top 16 in the world at 50 is his big target – ‘I don’t know if there is a finish line’

John Higgins has admitted thoughts of retirement have entered his mind, but his aim is to remain in the elite top 16 when he turns 50.

The Scot, 48, had a tough time in the 2022/23 season, as his form dipped and he suffered a series of early exits from tournaments.

Things turned around in the second half of the campaign, as he won the Championship League and looked good in the opening couple of rounds at the World Championship.

A 13-2 mauling of Kyren Wilson had some tipping Higgins for a fifth world crown, but he was beaten in the quarter-finals by Mark Selby.

Higgins’ thoughts are turning towards the new season, and is aware of the need to find some form to preserve his spot in the top 16.

“I’m getting towards the age of 50 and looking at a couple of different things.

“Who knows what will be for me in the future, but snooker is still a big part of my life.

“I don’t know if there is a finish line. I don’t think you can ever take this sport for granted. I’ve certainly never done that.

“I’ve always said to myself I’d love to still be a seed and in the top 16 competing at the Masters when I’m 50. Staying in that bracket throughout my whole career would be a good milestone. If I reach that one, then I’ll maybe be looking to see where my life is at that moment. Not my snooker life but my personal one.”

The new snooker season kicks off with the Championship League at the end of June, while the action ramps up with the European Masters in August.

Home Nations action gets underway with the English Open in October, with the first of the Triple Crown events – the UK Championship – starting in York on November 25.

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