Alex Higgins, despite his many talents was a well-known character. His volatile temperament, frequent arguments and unpredictable personality made him a controversial figure. His insatiable lifestyle was noted by the national media.
Steve James defeated Alex Higgins in the first round of the 1990 World Snooker Championship. He defeated Ray Reardon in the semi-final to win the final. Higgins became only the fourth player to be selected for four consecutive finals. In the final, he lost to Jimmy White, who was in the semi-final, while Davy Ferguson was in the final.
During his career, Alex Higgins had long-term problems with alcohol and smoking. He was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998. He still played snooker and won the 2006 world title.
Alex "Hurricane” Higgins was a skilled shotmaker during his prime. He was also a flamboyant character, as evidenced by his open-necked shirt. He often had a pall bearer accompany him. He was also a keen smoker, and in 2006 he joined more 200 smokers in suing Benson & Hedges (a snooker sponsor).
Higgins was addicted to alcohol, cocaine, and gambling throughout his career. Holly Haise, Higgins' ex-girlfriend claimed that she stabbed him three times in his arm. His life was also complicated by a long battle with throat cancer. He died at the age of 61 in 2010. His funeral was held in St Anne's Cathedral Belfast.
Alex "Hurricane" Higgins had a reputation as a reckless and anti hero. He was always a wild character, and his volatile temperament made him difficult to work with. In fact, he was banned from the popular snooker TV show Pot Black, because he frequently got into trouble with the authorities.
Higgins was always out of town and lived on the edge. His wife, Lynn, once cried after he won a match, and his daughter, Lauren, was brought on to the Crucible stage after he won the World Championship. He also got into a brawl with Dennis Taylor and threatened to shoot him in the World Cup. The police case against him was dropped as there was no evidence that he had actually hurt anyone.
Higgins was a frequent subject of controversy due to his frequent arguments and excessive alcohol consumption. He was a habitual user of cocaine and had been diagnosed as having throat cancer. He had difficulty coping with the constant attention. He had no manager and was often captivated by the audience. His talent proved to be a draw for the box office.
Alex "Hurricane", a fast-shooter who was also gifted, was often hampered by his talent. He was an anti-hero and a rebel. He was a fighter and won against some of the most skilled players in the world. However, he always exuded a sense of menace.