John Higgins’ World Championship bid may be in doubt after a family emergency.
Higgins, a four-time world champion, dropped out of the inaugural Champions’ Dinner on Thursday night after his wife’s father suffered a heart attack.
The 49-year-old had accepted an invitation to the event, hosted by last year’s champion Kyren Wilson and attended by the likes of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis, but pulled out after Denise’s dad was rushed to hospital.
The Wizard of Wishaw was subsequently absent from yesterday’s Green Carpet ceremony and the pre-event media day after deciding to remain in Scotland.
Higgins ranks among the favourites to lift the coveted trophy this year and has won two of the three tournaments leading up to the showpiece at the Crucible.
He would become the oldest world champion in history if he were to compete and add to his tally – and was set to kick off against Joe O’Connor on Monday.
Higgins admitted last year that this year could be his final ever at the Crucible but after returning to the winner’s circle, he is targeting another stunning victory.
The third seed said: ‘Never stop believing, never stop believing. It will be nice going back to the Crucible with more self belief. It shows you how quickly things can turn around. It shows you that you should never lose belief in yourself or the game.
‘There are always sunnier days ahead.
‘Over the years you always try to win events before you go to the Crucible to give yourself that inner belief and I’ve managed to do that this season. I’ve not had that in the last couple of years so you’ve got that behind you from the get go.
‘This year will be the first time in four long years where I’ve gone as a champion and tasted what it’s like to win. I’ll be going there in a good frame of mind.’
His four-year wait for ranking success came to an end at last month’s World Open in China – but his wife was unable to be by his side after flying to Hong Kong for the World Grand Prix. However, Higgins then went on to win at the Tour Championship.
He was able to celebrate the latter success, a 33rd ranking title, with his loved ones.
‘It’s just great, cause I’ve won titles, but they were a lot younger so they’re grown up now,’ said Higgins. ‘They’re obviously just incredibly proud, and I’m so proud of them.
‘It’s a great, great moment for us.’
Higgins married Denise, his childhood sweetheart, in 2000.
They have three children together, two sons and a daughter.
