John Higgins lost 17-15 to Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship on May 3, 2026. At 51, he considers retirement from professional snooker. This month marks his birthday and a potential turning point in his career.
Higgins has been a fixture at the World Championship since 1996. His consistent performance kept him seeded throughout these years. However, he now faces uncertainty regarding his future in the sport.
Higgins mentioned that if he falls outside the top 16 in the snooker rankings, he would likely retire. He expressed difficulty accepting the idea of qualifying for major tournaments again. “I don’t think I can see myself having to qualify for big events,” he stated.
The Crucible Theatre will host the World Championship until 2045, but renovations are set to begin post-2028. Higgins doubts he will return to this iconic venue after those changes.
Shaun Murphy described their match as exhausting yet exhilarating. “What a player, what a man. The harder it gets, the better he seems to play,” Murphy said about Higgins.
Higgins has had a long career in snooker, competing at the highest level for three decades. His legacy includes multiple titles and recognition among snooker legends.
The next few months will be crucial for Higgins as he evaluates his options following this close defeat. His future remains uncertain, with many fans hoping for one last run at glory before retirement.
