Alex Higgins

Alex Higgins was one of the greatest, and most exuberant, snooker players of all-time. He won two World Championship titles, first in 1972 against John Spencer, and second in 1982 against Ray Reardon. In addition, he also won two Masters titles, in 1978 and 1981, and one UK Championship title in 1983. Victories in these three events make him one of only ten players to-date who have completed snooker's Triple Crown. He was also the World Doubles champion in 1984, partnering his longtime friend Jimmy White, and he won the Snooker World Cup three times with the All-Ireland team in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Alex was a heavy drinker and chain smoker, which affected his general health throughout his troubled career. His fantastic playing disappeared and he dropped down the world rankings, eventually retiring in 1997. In his later years, he battled against against throat cancer and, although he became quite frail, he still managed to play in various exhibition matches. Alex died in his flat on July 24, 2010 by way of malnutrition and pneumonia.