By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 4
Date Of Birth: 18/05/75
Form: QF/R16/QF/QF/RU
World Championship best: Winner - 1998

John Higgins was expected by many to take over the mantle as the game's best player and dominate snooker much like Hendry and Davis did in their respective eras.

The catalyst for this dominance looked like it had arrived in 1994/95 when he became the first teenager to secure three ranking event victories.

This early achievement was complemented by numerous other event successes before his crowning glory when he became world snooker champion in 1998.

This success was coupled with a UK title victory which installed him in an elite group of five players who had held the World and UK titles in the same season.

He has yet to add to his world title although he came close in 2001 before losing 18-14 to Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Further semi-final spots have been secured but recently his form or penchant for winning trophies seems to have run dry.

His last ranking tournament success was at the 2001 British Open although he came close to returning to the roster before being edged out by Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-9 in the recent Irish Masters.

Higgins had not gone beyond a ranking event quarter-final this season before obtaining that runners-up spot.

His dip in form may have coincided with a new addition to his family with the birth of his son Pierce.

Higgins will not be looking for excuses though and his spirits will be lifted by his dramatic improvement in form in an excellent Irish Master's final.

Higgins goes into the World Championships with the benefit of a draw that avoids this season's form players namely Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams and Stephen Hendry.

Higgins is probably the most complete snooker player on the tour and is confidently expected to feature in the closing stages of the tournament.