Snooker legend Alex Higgins would have turned 75 on Monday, but it has been over 13 years since his unfortunate passing. The two-time world champion made one of the biggest impacts on the sport and Ronnie O’Sullivan has described him as the man who “made snooker sexy” in a heartfelt tribute.
Ronnie O’Sullivan sat alone, surrounded by the echoes of past victories and the weight of a lifetime spent chasing perfection on the green baize. His gaze lingered on a photograph adorning the wall—a young Ronnie, barely out of his teens, shaking hands with a legend who had inspired him since childhood.
That legend was none other than Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, a name synonymous with charisma, flair, and a raw, unbridled passion for the game. Their encounter had been brief, but its impact had reverberated through Ronnie’s entire career.
As he sat there, lost in memories, a voice interrupted his reverie. It was his old friend and mentor, Jimmy White, who had entered the room quietly, sensing Ronnie’s reflective mood.
“Thinking about the Hurricane again, Ronnie?” Jimmy asked softly, his own eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and reverence.
Ronnie nodded, his gaze returning to the photograph. “Yeah, Jimmy. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder what he’d think of the game today. The way it’s changed, the way we play.”
Jimmy settled into a chair opposite Ronnie, his expression thoughtful. “He’d be proud of you, mate. You’ve carried on his legacy in your own way—bringing excitement, passion, and a touch of magic to every match you play.”
A wistful smile touched Ronnie’s lips. “I hope so, Jimmy. He was more than just a player; he was a force of nature. A reminder of what snooker can be when you play with your heart on your sleeve.”
As the evening wore on, Ronnie and Jimmy shared stories of their encounters with the enigmatic Hurricane, laughing over his antics and marveling at his genius on the table. And as they reminisced, a sense of gratitude washed over Ronnie—a gratefulness for having crossed paths with a true legend, and a determination to honor his memory every time he stepped onto the baize.
In the days that followed, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s tribute to Alex Higgins would take many forms—interviews, social media posts, perhaps even a quiet visit to Higgins’ final resting place. But the most profound tribute of all would be the way Ronnie approached the game he loved, channeling the spirit of the Hurricane with every shot, every break, and every moment of brilliance. And in doing so, he ensured that the legend of Alex “Hurricane” Higgins would live on, forever etched into the fabric of snooker history.
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