Snooker: Higgins predicts Ding’s supremacy

Higgins begins defence of his world title against Ding’s compatriot Liang Wenbo at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today

SHEFFIELD: Reigning world champion John Higgins believes it’s just a matter of time before China’s Ding Junhui wins snooker’s most important tournament. Higgins, who begins the defence of his world title against Ding’s compatriot Liang Wenbo at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre today, has long been Ding’s admirer. While most of the pre-tournament attention has been on whether world number one Mark Selby will win a maiden world title to set alongside his ranking or fellow Englishman Judd Trump will go one better, after losing in last year’s final, Higgins said Ding’s chances also deserved serious consideration.”You look at Ding Junhui,” said Higgins. “I’d be flabbergasted if he never wins a world title, because he’s that good.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2012.