John Higgins, a snooker legend with an illustrious career spanning over three decades, recently faced a tough period when rival Mark Allen labeled him ‘miserable’ to watch. The defeat at the Masters marked a low point, prompting Higgins to take a proactive approach in reviving his form. In a surprising revelation, the four-time World Champion shared that he has enlisted the help of a sports psychologist to address the negative thoughts that have plagued him and work towards reclaiming his former glory.
The Mark Allen Encounter
In the recent Masters tournament, John Higgins experienced a setback when he faced Mark Allen and was defeated. Allen’s candid assessment of Higgins’ performance raised eyebrows in the snooker community, as he characterized watching Higgins as ‘miserable’ at this stage in his career. The loss also marked a significant milestone for Higgins, as it contributed to him holding the record for the most first-round exits at the prestigious Masters, a challenging statistic for any player to bear.
A Desperate Need for Change
Higgins, widely recognized as one of the greatest players of his generation with 31 ranking championships to his name, found himself at a crossroads. The defeat at the hands of Allen, coupled with a three-year title drought since his 2021 Players Championship victory, prompted Higgins to reevaluate his approach. Recognizing the need for change and an improvement in his mental state, the 48-year-old made a courageous decision to seek the assistance of a sports psychologist.
The Sports Psychologist Intervention
In an effort to break free from the shackles of negative thoughts that have plagued him, Higgins revealed that he has embarked on a journey with a sports psychologist. This unconventional move is a departure from his previous approach, reflecting a newfound willingness to explore different avenues to enhance his mental resilience. Higgins acknowledges the early days of this collaboration but expressed optimism about the positive impact it seems to be having on his mindset.
“I’m trying to have a different mindset,” confessed Higgins. “I’m doing a few things off the table to try to get my mind right, which I’ve never done in my career. It is early days, but it seems to be helping right now. I’ve got to make it happen. I can’t rely on myself. I’m not good enough to rely on myself.”
A Quest for Mental Fortitude
As Higgins delves into uncharted territory with the support of a sports psychologist, he opens up about his struggles with negative thoughts. Despite his remarkable achievements, the Scottish maestro acknowledges the necessity of seeking external assistance to cultivate positive thinking and mental fortitude. With a renewed focus and determination, Higgins aims to break free from the mental barriers that may have hindered his performance in recent years.
Mark Allen’s Perspective
Mark Allen, the player who publicly criticized Higgins, offered empathy towards the snooker veteran after their encounter at the Masters. Allen expressed understanding for Higgins, acknowledging the challenges of losing close games and highlighting the champion’s determination to cross the finish line. While Allen’s comments were initially critical, he ultimately recognized Higgins’ resilience and urged him to believe in himself more, emphasizing the potential for a return to winning ways.
Conclusion:
John Higgins’ decision to seek the assistance of a sports psychologist marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career. As he grapples with the impact of Mark Allen’s assessment and navigates the challenges of rejuvenating his form, Higgins demonstrates resilience and a willingness to embrace unconventional methods for self-improvement. The journey with the sports psychologist becomes a compelling narrative of a snooker icon’s pursuit of mental fortitude and a resurgence towards the pinnacle of the sport. As the chapters unfold, fans and enthusiasts alike will be eager to witness the evolution of John Higgins, both on and off the snooker table.
