Crucible 2024 Seeds: John Higgins

One of the all-time greats, Higgins has been victorious in Sheffield on no fewer than four occasions. However, he suffered a heartbreaking run of three consecutive final defeats between 2017 and 2019. Higgins lost 18-15 to Mark Selby from 10-4 up six years ago. He then suffered defeats to Mark Williams and Judd Trump in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The Scot first wore the crown in 1998, beating Ken Doherty in the final. Higgins went on to win the title in 2007 when he got the better of Selby, in 2009 with victory over Shaun Murphy, and again in 2011 when he saw off Trump in a classic final.

Higgins has enlisted the help of a sport psychologist for the first time in his career and he has shown consistency without yet collecting silverware. The Scot has reached five semi-finals at the European Masters, English Open, Champion of Champions, Scottish Open and the Welsh Open. The Scot has also made a further four quarter-finals. He crafted the 13th maximum break of his career in the Championship League.

Higgins hasn't lifted silverware since the 2021 Players Championship, despite competing in five finals during the intervening period. Having been a constant in the business end of events this season, what better place to break his title drought than the Theatre of Dreams?

Higgins most recent World Championship win in 2011 came after what is widely regarded as one of the greatest Crucible finals in modern times.

It was a clash of generations with the Scot facing the then 21-year-old sensation Judd Trump. The pair emerged to a deafening roar ahead of the final session. 

Higgins required a snooker in the decisive frame, which he got on the pink. After doubling the penultimate ball, he potted the black and claimed a momentous 18-15 victory.