Former world champion Dennis Taylor believes John Higgins still has the game to capture a fifth world title.
The always-smiling Irishman is heading to Motherwell Concert Hall on Tuesday night alongside seven-times world champ Stephen Hendry and ‘The Whirlwind’ Jimmy White.
And speaking ahead of next Tuesday’s event, Dennis paid tribute to the Wizard of Wishaw’s longevity after so many years at the top.
He said: “It’s incredible how John keeps going. He has got the commitment but every tournament is tough with the number of young players.
“John, along with Mark Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan, are in their 40s and are still playing some unbelievable snooker.
“He will still be at the top as long as he wants to play; he’s the greatest match player we have ever had in the game.
“I’m sure he has more big wins ahead of him.
“Scotland has two of the best four players of all time in Stephen and John and we have to keep encouraging the young players through especially in the UK and Ireland.
“We have so many talented players coming through especially in China so you want to keep seeing the youngsters from the UK getting their chance too.”
Higgins crashed out of the Welsh Open in the last 32 earlier this week and has already turned his attention to the World Championships next month in Sheffield.
Higgins, 46, who last year complained of trouble breathing during his matches, said: “To be honest I was thinking about it last year when I lost to Mark [Williams] there.
“I knew I needed to do something and that was in the back of my mind when I started the spinning classes to lose weight. Obviously for your health as well.
“I didn’t want to go back to the Crucible with the long frames and long matches underprepared.
“I’m better prepared physically for the challenges that lay ahead at the worlds.”
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