- The quadruple world champion was absent for the dinner of the inaugural champions
- The father of his wife suffered a heart attack and was transported to hospital this week this week
- He also missed the media stay before the event to stay with his family in Scotland
The John Higgins World Championship offer could be in doubt after a family emergency.
Higgins, a quadruple world champion, abandoned the dinner of the inaugural champions on Thursday evening after his wife’s father underwent a heart attack.
The 49 -year -old had accepted an invitation to the event, organized by the champion of last year, Kyren Wilson, and assisted by Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis, but retired after Denise’s father was transported to the hospital.
The Wishaw Wishaw was later absent from the green carpet ceremony yesterday and the media day before the event after having decided to stay in Scotland.
Higgins ranks among the favorites to raise the coveted trophy this year and won two of the three tournaments leading to the centerpiece at the crucible.
He would become the oldest world champion in history if he was to compete and add to his count – and had to start against Joe O’Connor on Monday.
The participation of the John Higgins World Championship is in doubt after a family emergency
Higgins withdrew from events before the tournament after his wife’s father had a heart attack
He is one of the favorites to raise the trophy this year after a sensational return to the form
Higgins admitted last year that this year could be his last in The Crucible, but after returning to the circle of the winner, he targets another amazing victory.
The third seeded said: “Never stop believing, never stop believing. It will be good to return to the crucible with more self -belief. This shows you how fast things can turn around. This shows you that you should never lose belief in yourself or the game.
“There are always more sunny days to come.
“Over the years, you always try to win events before going to the crucible to give you this inner belief and I managed to do it this season. I haven’t had this in the past two years, so you have that behind you from the start.
“This year will be the first time in four long years when I went as a champion and I tasted what it is to win. I will go there in a good state of mind.
His expectation of four years for success ended at the open world in last month in China – but his wife could not be by his side after gone for Hong Kong for the Grand Prix of the World. However, Higgins then won the Tour championship.
He was able to celebrate this last success, a 33rd classification title, with his relatives.
“It’s just great, because I won titles, but they were much younger, so they grew up now,” said Higgins. “They are obviously simply incredibly proud, and I am so proud of them.
“It’s a great, big moment for us.
Higgins married Denise, her childhood darling in 2000.
They have three children together, two sons and a daughter.
