John Higgins

John Higgins has regained a place among the top four of the official world rankings following his victory in the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

The Wizard of Wishaw became only the fourth player to win a third World title at the Crucible by beating Shaun Murphy 18-9 in the final in Sheffield tonight.

Higgins, whose previous Crucible crowns came in 1998 and 2007, climbs one place to fourth in the official list for the 2009/10 season. “To win it three times here at the Crucible means everything to me,” said the 33-year-old Scot. “To be up there with the great Champions who have won it three times is a proud moment. I think I’ve got more titles left in me. These will be my best years to win more tournaments.”

Murphy missed out on his second World title and the Sale-based cueman remains at No 3. “All the great names have played and got beat in a World final, so now I know how they felt, and if it inspired them to go on and be better players, it will inspire me,” said the 2005 Champion.

Despite his second round exit, Ronnie O’Sullivan tops the list and will be No 1 next term for the fifth season in his career. Stephen Maguire, who lost in the quarter-finals, stays at No 2.

Marco Fu moves into the top eight for the first time in his career, replacing Stephen Hendry, who is out of that bracket for the first time in 21 years having slipped to tenth.

There is just one change to the top 16, Mark Williams regaining his place after one season outside the elite, replacing Graeme Dott who is down to 28^th.

There are five changes to the top 32. Rising stars Ricky Walden, Liang Wenbo and Judd Trump, as well as Michael Holt and Gerard Greene, climb into that group at the expense of Anthony Hamilton, Dominic Dale, Ian McCulloch, Michael Judge and Ken Doherty.

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2009

Contact: Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker media office, 07766 656133
www.worldsnooker.com

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