Ruskin Spear, R.A. (1911-1990)

The present picture shows the charismatic snooker player, Alex (Hurricane) Higgins (1949-2010). Higgins, who had turned professional at the age of 22, won the World Snooker Championship at his first attempt in 1972. In 1982 Higgins won the world title for a second time, clinching victory from Ray Reardon with a remarkable total clearance break of 135 in the final frame. Higgins would have been ranked number 1 in the world rankings for the 1982/83 season had he not forfeited ranking points following disciplinary action.