O'Sullivan hails Higgins

Three-time world champion remembers 'inspirational' Ulsterman

Last updated: 25th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Sullivan hails Higgins

O'Sullivan: Higgins was his 'inspiration'

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Three-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has labelled Alex Higgins as his "inspiration" following the Northern Irishman's death at the age of 61.

Higgins was found dead in his Belfast flat on Saturday following a prolonged battle against throat cancer.

O'Sullivan, world champion in 2001, 2004 and 2008, admits he opted to pursue a career in snooker after watching the flamboyant, cavalier style of Higgins.

Known as 'The Hurricane', Higgins himself won two world crowns and O'Sullivan believes he deserves to be remembered as the greatest player ever to take to the green baize.

"Alex Higgins was one of the real inspirations behind me getting into snooker in the first place," the 34-year-old told the Sunday Telegraph.

"He is a legend of snooker, and should forever be remembered as the finest ever snooker player."

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