John Higgins has made it clear that he does not share a close friendship with Ronnie O'Sullivan, despite their long-standing rivalry spanning over three decades. The two snooker legends are set to face off in the last 16 of the World Snooker Championship on Saturday at the Crucible Theatre.
Higgins, along with O'Sullivan and Mark Williams, forms the famous Class of '92, a group that has dominated the sport for years. However, Higgins insists that their professional relationship does not extend to personal friendship. 'I get asked about that and it's the same answer I give,' Higgins said on the Talking Snooker podcast in 2023. 'I don't really know Ronnie at all. When you think all these years we've been on the tour, we've never really been that close. I could count on one hand the amount of meals we've had together.'
Respect Without Friendship
Higgins acknowledged that while he holds immense respect for O'Sullivan as a player, their competitive nature has prevented a closer bond. 'I've got the utmost respect for him as a snooker player, incredible player,' he said. 'But going for the same titles, you cannot be all that friendly with each other. Respect of course, but being friends, nah. We're different characters as well, the three of us, totally different characters.'
O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, echoed similar sentiments, explaining that he prefers to keep his distance from fellow players. 'I don't really get close to anyone on the snooker circuit, because I don't really hang around tournaments,' O'Sullivan told TNT Sports. 'No one sees me. I'd rather be down the gym or go running, or go to nice restaurants, while a lot of the players hang out with each other.'
The Upcoming Clash
The upcoming match between Higgins and O'Sullivan will be their 80th encounter. O'Sullivan advanced to the second round with a dominant 10-2 win over China's He Guoqiang, while Higgins secured his spot with a 10-7 victory against Ali Carter. The duo have combined for 11 world championships and 74 ranking titles.
Higgins also reflected on his relationship with Mark Williams, noting that competing for the same titles has strained their friendship over the years. O'Sullivan offered a different perspective, suggesting that Higgins and Williams are closer to each other than they are to him. 'I think Mark and John are better friends than I am with them,' O'Sullivan added.
