John Higgins has revealed that Ronnie O'Sullivan is the only player who could possibly coach him, despite admitting the pair are not close. The four-time world champion, 51, has largely flown solo throughout his career and sees no reason to change now.
Higgins questioned who could tell him something he does not already know about his game, suggesting only O'Sullivan, a seven-time Crucible king, fits the bill. 'I just look at these great champions and just think, who's going to tell me when I'm out there, what player? Maybe O'Sullivan? I don't know,' he said.
However, any collaboration seems unlikely given their long-standing rivalry. The pair turned professional together 34 years ago and recently produced a thrilling second-round clash at the World Championship, which Higgins won in a final-frame decider.
O'Sullivan has previously stated he does not get close to anyone on the snooker circuit, preferring to spend time at the gym or restaurants. Higgins concurred, telling the Talking Snooker podcast: 'I don't really know Ronnie at all... I could count on one hand the amount of meals we've had together.'
Despite mutual respect, there has been friction. In 2021, Higgins criticised O'Sullivan for suggesting youngsters should not take up snooker, calling it 'a disgrace'. The pair will continue their storied rivalry when the 2026/27 season begins.
