John Higgins Demands Judd Trump Be Recognised as Snooker’s Flag Bearer

Legendary Scot John Higgins made his way into the Telford International Centre for the 2026 Players Championship, entering the tournament via the backdoor after replacing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who chose not to participate despite qualifying automatically due to his top 16 ranking on the one-year list.

Currently ranked 17th, Higgins was the first reserve and had known since last week that he would be stepping in. 

This marks the ninth professional UK tournament that O’Sullivan has either withdrawn from or skipped this season, including the second Triple Crown event, the Masters, and the Champion of Champions.

Does O’Sullivan’s Absence Matter?

At 50, the same age as Higgins, the Rocket has been snooker’s most influential figure over the past three decades. Yet, with his playing days inevitably winding down, questions loom over who will carry the mantle once he finally retires.

Fans may worry about O’Sullivan’s intermittent schedule, but Higgins believes the backstage atmosphere among players doesn’t change when he’s absent.

“I'd be pretty honest now, 'cause he's not playing really a lot now, nah," Higgins said. 

“I think all the guys just enjoy him now when he does appear. He’s obviously got different things going on in his life now. He can't be around forever. Just enjoy him while he’s still playing some events.”

Higgins acknowledges that playing O’Sullivan is always a spectacle, a moment to be cherished for however long it lasts.

Who Will Be Snooker’s Next Flag Bearer?

For years, the conversation in snooker circles has revolved around who will fill O’Sullivan’s shoes as the sport’s leading figure. 

Higgins doesn’t believe the focus should only be on newer stars like reigning world champion Zhao Xintong. 

Instead, Higgins was brutally honest in saying he doesn’t understand why current world number one Judd Trump isn’t already recognised as snooker’s leading figure and most popular player.

“I’ll be brutally honest, I hear a lot of people saying this. I don't know what Judd Trump has got to in the game to actually be classed as the next flag bearer.”

“He’s won just as much as anybody in the game. There is maybe not the world titles that he wants, but I'm sure they'll come.”

“For him to have won the volume of titles, the style he plays, smart looking young guy. I don't know why more is not made of him now being the flag bearer for the game. That's just my personal opinion.”

“There just always seems to be my talk about Ronnie and maybe the class of 92. Then everyone’s talking about [Zhao] Xintong now, how he could come and dominate the game.”

“I think you've just gotta give that guy [Trump] so much kudos for what he's been doing in the game the last six or seven years.”

Trump’s Global Popularity vs. UK Attention

Despite Trump’s success and his global fanbase, particularly in China and across Europe, Higgins notes that he has not received the same level of recognition in the UK as previous icons such as O’Sullivan, Jimmy White, or even Higgins’ namesake Alex Higgins.

“I don't know because he’s just a decent young guy, who you never see him in trouble," Higgins told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“I know he is well liked in China. He's got a lot of fans and a lot of fans in Europe. Maybe the British public they might be want a guy like [Alex] Higgins or a Jimmy White or Ronnie now that there's maybe a little bit of baggage there that they can shout for.”

“I really don't know because he plays the game just as swashbuckling as these guys as well. And so, I've just never understood it.”

Higgins’ remarks highlight the contrast between Trump’s understated professionalism and the dramatic personas of past snooker legends, a factor that might explain his quieter public profile despite dominating the sport.