JOHN HIGGINS has revealed he wants to retire on his own terms.
The legendary four-time world champion is fast approaching his 50s and boasts a 29-year unbroken record inside the sport’s elite top 16.
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But the all-conquering Wizard of Wishaw admits he is struggling for motivation as he enters the closing chapters of his illustrious career.
Ahead of the English Open, which begins tomorrow, the world No.15 said: “I’m not thinking about giving it up.
“The sport’s getting bigger and bigger so you still want to be playing and involved in it because there are big changes happening in the sport.
“You don’t want to be retiring anytime soon, but sometimes the sport can retire you.
“You might not want to retire, but sometimes it can happen that way.
“It’s tough to find the motivation. But you’ve just got to get on with it and try to take the positives.
“Without the World Championship last season I probably wouldn’t have been in Shanghai at the start of the season or seeded through in Saudi.
“I should enjoy it whilst I’m still doing it. I enjoy playing tournaments.”
It will be an end of an era when the all-time great decides it is time to hang up his cue.
Higgins has pocketed 31 ranking crowns during a trophy-laden career.
Only seven-time world champions Ronnie O’Sullivan (41) and compatriot Stephen Hendry (36) have achieved more.
Alongside O’Sullivan and Mark Williams, Higgins is part of the famous Class of ’92, who have been the standard-bearers of the sport for over three decades.
And Higgins is desperate to hang on at the top of the game for as long as possible with the rich rewards now on offer.
The recent Saudi Arabia Masters had a huge £2.3million prize pot, which is only comparable to the World Championship. There are also more big-money events taking place in China.
Higgins added: “The aim for me this year is to be in the top 16 for the Crucible.
“That would basically mean going through my whole career doing that.
“When you look back over the years, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry declined a lot earlier so you’ve got to recognise that you’re doing something good.”
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