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John Higgins is preparing for his 30th World Championship appearance, but the four-time champion believes his departure from the Crucible is “inevitable”.
Sheffield’s famous venue has hosted snooker’s biggest tournament every year since 1977, and the current contract is due to expire in 2027.
Higgins has never missed the event since debuting in the tournament in 1995, winning the top prize in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011.
World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan is among those who have called for the stage to be played elsewhere, with Higgins telling BBC Sport: “I think it’s inevitable. In three years’ time, snooker… The landscape of the world will probably change.”
“I was really lucky to win here. I’ll be sad to leave, it was a big part of my life.
“If you ask other players who have never lifted a trophy here, I think they will probably regret it for the rest of their lives.
“You may not be able to say the same about your bank balance. [for future winners], but if you look back at the history and the champions before them, they would have loved to have won here, because that would be special. It’s a great place to play snooker. ”
Higgins, 48, will face Jamie Jones in Wednesday’s opening match and called the Welshman, who defeated former champion Neil Robertson in the qualifier, a “tough, tough player”.
“I’m feeling good about my game and can’t wait to go out and play,” the Scot said. “I want to immerse myself in the tournament and give it my all.
“I still get the same feeling every time I come here, there’s still the same hustle and bustle.
“I’m proud that I’m still competing 30 years later.”
