Snooker Legend John Higgins Admits Burnout Battle as Motivation Crumbles After Career Resurgence
John Higgins, one of snooker’s all-time greats, is grappling with a serious lack of motivation despite enjoying one of his best seasons in years. Now 50 years old and ranked world number six, the four-time world champion remains at the sport’s highest level more than three decades after turning professional. Yet the Scot admits the fire to put in hours on the practice table is fading.
Last season, Higgins rolled back the years with stunning victories at the World Open and Tour Championship, showcasing his enduring class. However, it ended in heartbreak with a last-gasp defeat to Mark Williams in the World Championship quarter-finals — a loss that left him visibly emotional.
That rollercoaster campaign reaffirmed Higgins’ place among snooker’s elite, but the emotional toll and the relentless demands of the sport have caught up with him. Over the summer, he took a well-earned break, celebrating his 50th birthday in the USA with his wife. Since returning, though, he has struggled to find rhythm or enthusiasm.
Early exits at the Shanghai Masters and Saudi Arabia Masters — losing to Xiao Guodong and Elliot Slessor respectively — further reflected his lack of form. However, Higgins showed signs of life at the Wuhan Open, dispatching Dylan Emery 5-1 in the opening round on Monday.
Despite the win, he admitted that playing still feels tough, and motivation remains elusive. Now into the last 32 in Wuhan, he faces Yuan Sijun next. For Higgins, this could be a vital opportunity to rekindle his spark — or another step in what he calls a tough mental and physical battle after decades at the top.
