Trivia

He once had an argument with his girlfriend which resulted in him falling off the balcony of their first-floor flat. Soon after, he entered the 1989 British Open while hopping around the table nursing a broken ankle.

His numerous scuffles and offenses over the years included attacking an official who asked for a urine sample at the 1986 UK Championship, threatening to have rival Dennis Taylor shot in their home country of Northern Ireland, and urinating in a plant pot during a tournament.

Was a friend of the hell-raising actor Oliver Reed.

In 1995 he played for Team Europe (alongside Jimmy White and Steve Davis), when they beat Team USA in the Mosconi Cup, a 9-ball pool event.

In the late 90s he was stabbed by girlfriend Holly Haise while living in her house in Belfast.

His loyal friends included fellow player John Virgo, who organised a large fund-raiser for Higgins to get crucial treatment in the last year of his life (unfortunately, Higgins was declared too weak to take the operation).

Was banned from the Pot Black show for bringing three prostitutes to the event and for swearing after he missed a shot.

Nicknamed Hurricane due to the speed with which he played.

After turning professional he became the youngest World Championship winner at his first attempt, beating John Spencer in 1972 aged just 22, then won the title again in 1982.

Two-time world snooker champion.

Father of daughter, Lauren Higgins and son, Jordan Higgins.

Technically his highest ever break in the World Snooker Championship (137) came in the 1995 qualifying rounds against Tai Pichit, but his highest in the televised stages was 135 (in the 1982 final).

His highest break in tournament play was 142 at the 1985 British Open.

Released an autobiography in 2007, "From the Eye of the Hurricane".

In the 80s he was beaten three years in a row in the World Championship by Welshman Terry Griffiths, all 3 were in the 2nd round/last 16.

His 135 in 1982 is still the highest-ever break in a frame that actually sealed the championship for a player.

Higgins had a love of horses and his first career choice was as a jockey, but could not keep his weight under control.

Never attempted to get a driving license.

He learned his craft playing snooker after school in the Jampot club in Belfast, and later also played at the YMCA.

1994 was the last time he reached the TV stages of the World Championship, where he lost in his 1st match against Irishman Ken Doherty.

Over the years Higgins had victories in major finals against world champions Terry Griffiths, Cliff Thorburn, Ray Reardon and Steve Davis. He also beat a young Stephen Hendry in the 1989 Irish Masters, his last tournament victory.

Had an unlikely doubles partnership with Eddie Charlton who was known for being extremely slow and cautious.

He was banned for the whole of the 1990-91 season after striking a WPBSA official at the 1990 World Championship, and was stripped of all ranking points.

His highest world ranking in snooker was no. 2. In 1982 his second world championship would have seen him achieve the number 1 ranking but he had had some points deducted for disciplinary offences during the season. There was no ranking system the first time he won the world title.

Made a 155 break in an exhibition against Willie Thorne.