Higgins dies at 61
Double world snooker champion Alex Higgins has died at the age of 61 following a long battle with throat cancer.
Last Updated: 25/07/10 11:23am
Double world snooker champion Alex Higgins has died at the age of 61.
Belfast-born Higgins, who claimed his world crowns in 1972 and 1982, endured a long battle with throat cancer having been diagnosed with the illness over ten years ago.
Known as the Hurricane by his legions of fans, Higgins was renowned for his fast and flamboyant style of play at the table.
Barry Hearn, the chairman of World Snooker, said Higgins would be remembered as the "original people's champion" and the man who transformed the popularity of the sport.
Hearn stated: "I have known him for nearly 40 years. He was the major reason for snooker's popularity in the early days.
"He was controversial at times, but he always played the game in the right spirit.
"We will miss him - he was the original people's champion."
Higgins was discovered at a block of flats in the centre of Belfast. He had been unwell for some time.
The player had not been answering his mobile phone and the flat had to be broken into, sources close to him said.
You can send skysports.com your tributes and memories of Alex Higgins using the feedback form below.
