John Higgins has admitted his game is 'not great, to be brutally honest' as he prepares for his opening match at the Shenzhen Open against David Grace on Tuesday. The 51-year-old, ranked sixth in the world, is enduring a slow start to the current campaign after a run to the Crucible semi-finals last season.
Higgins admits struggles
Higgins, a four-time world champion, has pulled out of a couple of tournaments this season, with his best ranking event run being the last 16 of the British Open. He told WST: 'Not great, to be brutally honest, not great. Listen, it can change I'm sure, but it's been a tough start and obviously I need to get potting balls and winning matches soon.'
The Wizard of Wishaw has also admitted that practice has become a chore and motivation is extremely low to put in the hours away from tournaments. He has retirement on his mind and sees 2028 as a likely end date to his career, but for now will keep trying to lift more silverware.
'As I said earlier in the season it's tough to put the hours in. But it's coming into the winter a bit, you might want to stay in the practice room for an extra hour when the weather's not so good outside. Hopefully that can maybe help me,' he said.
Potential Maguire clash
If Higgins beats Grace, he will face his friend and long-time practice partner Stephen Maguire in the last 32. Higgins joked of his time on tour with Maguire: 'Great memories travelling with him, but I don't really remember too much of it now! They start off great memories! He's always been one of my best mates on the tour over the years. Hopefully I can get through to play him and hopefully it'll be a good game.'
Selby in confident mood
In contrast to Higgins, Mark Selby arrives in Shenzhen full of confidence. Another four-time world champion, Selby has had an excellent season so far, winning the China Open and reaching the final of the British Open, where he lost to Jak Jones.
'It's probably the best start I've had to a season since I've been professional,' Selby said. 'I normally slowly work my way into a season and pick up halfway through. I can't complain, I've had a good start. I played okay in Shanghai, I know I lost first game but still played well. Won the China Open which is a big tournament now on our calendar. It sets you up for the season, puts you in all the [Players] Series events. I've had the pressure taken off me for them. So you can just go out there and relax and try and just enjoy your snooker.'
This year's China Open title was Selby's fourth and his eighth ranking event win in the country. 'Over the years I've had a decent record out in China, winning some big tournaments and playing some good stuff,' he said. 'Hopefully with the start I've had to this season and the confident form I'm in, I can try and add to that.'
Selby begins his campaign on Tuesday against either local wildcard Chen Qi'en or Andrew Higginson. The tournament starts on Monday with Ronnie O'Sullivan taking on Jiang Jun and world number one Zhao Xintong facing Scott Donaldson, both at 12.30pm UK time.
