Home hero John Higgins would dearly love to banish his recent heartache by winning this week’s Scottish Open in front of his family.
The four-time world champion, 47, was roared on to victory in the first round by his army of fans on the opening day, beating Anthony Hamilton 4-2.
And the Wishaw Wizard hopes his incredible support can spur him to a magical 32nd ranking crown after a string of near misses last season.
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Incredibly the world No6 suffered agony in FIVE major finals and has struggled to produce his vintage best this term.
But the proven title-winner is hoping another crown could just be around the corner.
"I’ve been struggling a little bit confidence-wise,” admitted Higgins.
“It would mean a lot to me to win it, it would be amazing to win it in front of your own fans.
“I’ve been lucky enough to do it a couple of times and to win another one would be amazing.
“I’ve not had a great start to the season, so you’d love this event to be the one to kickstart your season.
“It only takes a couple of wins and your confidence gets up a little bit and you get on a bit of a roll. That’s what I’m hoping for.
“The crowd can help you as well and I’m sure all the Scottish boys will get good backing here.
“It’s brilliant having friends and family watching you because they don’t normally.
“My little nephew watched me play [on Monday], that’s the first time he’s watched snooker live. He’s watched it for so many years.
“You also see old players you haven’t seen for years and they’re delighted it’s on their doorsteps.”
😱 John Higgins bounces the white off each cushion to get out of trouble in the fourth frame!
#ScottishOpen | #HomeNations
Top-class snooker has returned to Edinburgh for the first time in 19 years and the Meadowbank Centre has enjoyed a £42million makeover ahead of hosting the event.
Last season the Scottish Open was held in Llandudno, Wales, after a last minute contractual dispute between World Snooker Tour – the sport’s governing body – and Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, where the event was due to be staged.
The tournament was played at the Marshall Arena in MK Dons the season previous, in a Covid-secure bubble, due to the pandemic.
“It’s great being back here, it’s a great city,” added Higgins, who plays Chinese cueman Cao Yupeng in the last 64 today (Wednesday).
“I don’t feel the pressure playing in Scotland, it’s just great to have a big tournament in Scotland.
“It’s nice your family and friends can come and watch you, they love their snooker.”
Higgins also revealed he has altered his cue in a bid to end his unwanted title-drought.
“I’ve lost about half an inch from my cue at the start of the season, but it’s finding me out a bit,” admitted the 47-year-old.
“I’m just a tinkerer, but I knew deep down my last cue wasn’t right.
“I’ve lost about half an inch from my cue at the start of the season, but it’s finding me out a bit.
“Hopefully the change works for me because I want to be a bit more compact.”
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and a host of other top names including Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy are all competing for the £80,000 top prize.
And the Rocket kicked off his title quest by narrowly missing out on the quickest-ever century break.
O’Sullivan needed just three minutes and 34 seconds to make the ton, but it was agonisingly three seconds short of Tony Drago’s set at the 1996 UK Championship.
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