Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams remain in a class of their own

This Sunday, come what might, will mark the 18th time in 25 years that at the very least considered one of snooker’s ‘Class of 92’ has made the ultimate of the World Snooker Championship.

John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams have the kind of longevity as a trio that makes the Bee Gees appear to be one-hit wonders and, until the reinvigorated Judd Trump can spoil the social gathering, it is going to be a case of ‘you win once more’ for considered one of them.

Since turning professional, and earlier than this season, they've chalked up 28 Crucible semi-finals, 19 finals and 13 world titles, and right here we're once more, all three within the final 4 of snooker’s biggest present on earth. No less than two of these above numbers already should be up to date. Staggering.

John Higgins and Ronnie O’sullivan contested the 2001 World Snooker Championships remaining (Image: Getty)

It's so straightforward to say, nicely, it’s solely snooker isn’t it? It hardly compares to the rigours of soccer or rugby. They put on fits, for goodness sake, and essentially the most train they get is grabbing their extensions.

True, it's not ripping cruciate ligaments and shattering ribs, however the psychological pressure of snooker is totally different to bodily sports activities.

The limitless hours of indoor apply and competitors, the fixed lodge hopping, darkish rooms, the absence of household, the solitude and a relentless wrestle with an artwork type than can appear really easy someday and so bloody inconceivable the subsequent all results in frequent points relating to the six inches between the ears. All three have had their issues, all three have had their wilderness years. Williams described himself as a ‘journeyman’ earlier than successful his epic third world title in 2018, Higgins has hinted at retirement extra instances than Frank Sinatra and O’Sullivan, nicely, he went to work on a pig farm.

Mark Williams faces an uphill battle to beat Judd Trump in his World Championship semi-final (Image: Getty)

I don’t wish to get too deep however I love any participant for managing to stay with this sport for thus lengthy, much more so in the event that they haven’t had the monetary windfall to cushion the blow. Within the case of the Class of 92 (that’s the yr all of them turned professional, by the way in which), they’ve made the inexperienced, but it surely’s a staggering 90 profession years between them. I’m as in awe of that as I'm all of the titles received.

Again within the day, John Higgins had the face of an angel, Ronnie O’Sullivan a cheeky glint in his eye and Mark Williams, nicely, there’s lots to be mentioned for dwelling haircuts. In 2022, in fact, they're minimize from a distinct material.

Higgins usually appears to be like like he’s about to move out the place he stands, red-faced, tongue out, like a veteran boxer useless on his ft earlier than, out of nowhere, he finds an uppercut from the Gods. He does it time and time once more. He did it in his quarter-final in opposition to Jack Lisowski. To those that watch snooker often, this was no shock in any respect.

To say I've a comfortable spot for Williams is like saying I've a slight regard for the songwriting of Lennon and McCartney.

At his greatest, he's my favorite participant on the planet, potting balls with all of the laid-back swagger of Virgil van Dijk placing strikers in his again pocket, and he has accomplished that in Sheffield this yr; with 12 centuries earlier than the semis, two drubbings and a super-cool final two frames in opposition to Yan Bingtao.

Though he had a tough day’s evening in opposition to Trump of their opening session. Assist! And Ronnie, nicely, he's each kind of contradiction you'll be able to consider however, relating to the snooker desk, he’s merely the most effective and favorite to carry that well-known outdated trophy once more, which might match the seven of Stephen Hendry. To this point, in opposition to good opposition, he has appeared imperious.

There's a flip facet to all this romanticising, relating to the various power in depth of the youthful generations, however for now let’s give the outdated arms the ovation they deserve. No matter occurs this weekend, which might nicely see Trump carry his second title, I’m simply going to slouch again and luxuriate in, however not till I nip to the bookies and slip a sly tenner on a Sampras v Agassi remaining at Wimbledon.

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