John Higgins on latest Crucible quest: “Every year is so special”

John Higgins has now been coming to the Crucible for almost three decades, but the feeling remains as special as ever.

The four-time World champion descends on snooker’s biggest stage for a 28th successive year – a streak only bettered by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

And the Wizard arrives in fine fettle, having reached six finals this season – capturing the Championship League, while narrowly missing out on the Champion of Champions and Tour Championship titles.

Higgins, who opens against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh on Tuesday, has failed to progress beyond the second round in each of the last two years in Sheffield.

Although, the Scotsman previously reached three finals on the spin as he came close to landing a fifth title, and will be confident of ending his 11-year wait to get his hands on the sport’s biggest prize once more.