British Open Snooker 2024: John Higgins Returns to the Top 16 Ahead of a Record-Breaking Title Clash Against Mark Selby in a Thrilling Final
John Higgins could end his week as world No. 13 if he earns the £100,000 first prize from his blockbuster British Open final with fellow four-time world champion Mark Selby on Sunday. Higgins lost his prized spot among the snooker elite for the first time since April 1995 after Neil Robertson’s English Open title victory last Sunday nudged him into 17th spot, but returns after just one week away.
John Higgins will return to the world’s top 16 whatever happens in a blockbuster British Open final against fellow four-time world champion Mark Selby in Cheltenham on Sunday.
The Scotsman was nudged into 17th spot by Neil Robertson’s English Open triumph a week ago, but his 6-0 whitewash win over Oliver Lines confirmed his rapid return on the provisional ranking list.
It is remarkably the only week Higgins has spent outside the snooker elite since he first reached the top 16 after the World Championship in April 1995.
Higgins has moved up three places to 14th, but will overtake Si Jiahui into 13th spot if he can overcome Selby in the best-of-19 frame final in his quest to become a record five-time winner of the British Open.
Robertson will remain inside the top 16 ahead of his opening International Championship qualifier against Alfie Burden in Sheffield on Tuesday, but Crucible finalist Jak Jones is the latest man to drop out after his 5-4 defeat to Lines in the British Open last eight.
Meanwhile, Higgins, 49 and rejuvenated, operating with a new cue, could become the second-oldest ranking event winner of all time if he can claim the Clive Everton trophy before a sell-out Centaur crowd.
Six-time world champion Ray Reardon continues to hold that record after lifting the Professional Players tournament at the age of 50 with a 10-5 win over Jimmy White in 1982, with fellow Welshman Mark Williams the second oldest following his victory at the Tour Championship in April.
Leicester’s Selby was still four years away from turning professional when Higgins claimed his first British Open title in 1995 before enjoying further victories in 1998, 2001 and 2004.
The 20-year gap between tournament wins would also be a record for the modern televised era after the tournament was revived in 2021 following a 17-year absence.
“John and I will be battling out there tomorrow, giving it everything,” said Selby after his 6-3 win over Mark Allen in the semi-finals.
“He is a great lad, and an all-time great. I have so much time for him. Every time I see him we have a laugh and get on well.
“He’s one of the best I have ever seen and played against, and he has obviously played well to get to the final.”
Selby also knows he can leapfrog Ronnie O’Sullivan into fourth spot in the standings if he can earn a 23rd ranking title with a win over Higgins.
He holds a 14-8 lead over the Wishaw player in the career head-to-heads.