Stephen Hendry explains why 'brilliant' John Higgins will look to improve in search for major trophies - 'Maybe a little bit frustrated'

John Higgins ended a four-year trophy drought by winning the World Open in Yushan last March, with a 10-6 win over Joe O'Connor. He followed that up with a 10-8 victory over Mark Selby a month later at the Tour Championship in Manchester, but has fallen narrowly short this season in his search for more trophies with final defeats at the International Championship, Masters and Players Championship.

'His extraordinary career at the top level continues' - Higgins wraps up win over Zhou

Video credit: TNT Sports

Stephen Hendry has hailed John Higgins as the most consistent player of the season, but feels his fellow Scot will not be content until he collects a trophy for his efforts.

At the age of 50, the four-time world champion is enjoying a rich campaign on the elite circuit in reaching finals at the International Championship, Masters and Players Championship.

He has also lost in the semi-finals of the British Open and Welsh Open, as well as the quarter-finals at the Wuhan Open, Northern Ireland Open, Champion of Champions and Riyadh Season Championship, to take his season's earnings over the £500,000 mark.

Snooker

Why did new world final referee refuse to clean the white ball at Crucible?

Yesterday at 09:20

Higgins will defend his World Open title in Yushan later this month, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ between March 16-22.

He will be buoyed by some stout form which is set to earn him a shot at defending the Tour Championship in Manchester (March 30-April 5).

Only the top 12 on the one-year list qualify for the elite Tour Championship, the penultimate event of the season ahead of the World Championship, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ from April 18-May 4.

'He's done it the hard way!' - Higgins books Masters final spot with phenomenal comeback

Video credit: TNT Sports

Higgins, who lost 6-5 to an inspired Jack Lisowski in the Welsh Open semi-finals, moves up to 10th spot before his trip to China to take on Liam Highfield in his opener at the World Open.

"He has to be the most consistent player this season without winning," said Hendry on the World Snooker Tour podcast.

"We all know that John plays to win these days, he doesn't play to reach semi-finals and finals. He wants to try to get trophies. But he will be absolutely delighted with his season.

"The disappointing thing for John is that he played his worst snooker in the final of the Masters and Players. He played his best snooker to get there, but faded a little bit in the finals.

"I think that's the thing he will be looking at, and will maybe be a little bit frustrated about that. But generally, you have to say he is playing brilliantly well."

‘The drought is over’ – Higgins seals World Open title with classy century

Video credit: TNT Sports

Higgins lost 10-6 to Wu Yize in the final of the International Championship, 10-6 to Kyren Wilson at the Masters and 10-7 to Zhao Xintong in the Players Championship title match.

It has left the 'Wizard of Wishaw' nursing mixed emotions in failing to get over the winning line after defeating Joe O'Connor 10-6 in the World Open final a year ago to end a four-year ranking title drought, before eclipsing Mark Selby 10-8 in the Tour Championship final.

"It is disappointing because, the last two finals I've played in, I've went out like a light in the final," he said after losing to Wilson at the Masters in January.

"It has been a good week, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. But just really disappointed with the way I performed in the final."

Higgins became the oldest finalist in a ranking event since 53-year-old Rex Williams reached the Grand Prix final in 1986 in losing to Zhao in the Players Championship final last month.

But he said: "I'm disappointed. I had a chance tonight. Should have went 7-5, could have went 8-6 as well, but I just never took my chances.

'They'll do absolutely anything' - Trump on O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams' winning mentality

Video credit: TNT Sports

"There's some good form in there, but also a bit ropey too. I think that's going to happen as you get older. You have to just put up with that, I think."

Higgins will again bid to become the first player to win the World Championship in four different decades when he competes at the 50th edition of the sport's biggest tournament in Sheffield next month.

- - -

Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Snooker

'He knows where to come' - Hendry offers 'The Hawk' key advice on how to swoop for greatness

03/03/2026 at 12:16

Tour Championship

O'Sullivan's search for form and Zhao's Crucible quest - Key talking points in season's final events

03/03/2026 at 08:46