‘I was very upset’ – Snooker legend was banned for punch before apology letter sold for thousands ...Middle East

An early World Snooker Championship defeat caused Alex Higgins to unleash his anger by punching a press officer.

The late Northern Irishman, nicknamed ‘Hurricane Higgins’, was a two-time world champion and is regarded as one of the sport’s icons.

Higgins won his first title in 1972 just a year after turning professional, with his second victory coming at the Crucible Theatre a decade later.

A string of first and second round exits followed before he made his appearance at the 1990 edition of snooker’s most prestigious event.

Steve James won their opening round clash 10-5, and Higgins made the unusual decision to remain sat in his chair as the crowd exited.

The then 41-year-old drank triple vodka and oranges in the aftermath of his defeat before his anger got the better of him.

In the biography ‘The Hurricane’ written by Bill Borrows, and quoted by The Guardian, Higgins’ next steps at the Crucible were recalled.

“The lights went out and then he went to his dressing room, put on a bow tie, and made his way to the press conference. It was estimated that he had dispatched 27 shots of vodka during the game.

“As he walked along the corridors backstage at the Crucible, rage overtook him. He was too drunk to stop it.”

Higgins targeted World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association press officer Colin Randle before speaking to the media.

He punched Randle in the stomach, with the official responding by pushing the snooker star up against the wall in dramatic scenes.

Eventually, they were separated and Higgins delivered a retirement speech in which he abused the observing media in front of him.

“No more snooker for the Hurricane,” he ended, before being handed a one-year suspension and falling down to 120 in the rankings.

Despite announcing he was retiring, Higgins appeared at the World Championship in 1994.

It was later revealed that he wrote a letter of apology ahead of his appearance at a disciplinary panel three months later.

With both upper and lower case wording, he wrote: “I was very upset at the time in respect of personal and financial matters.”

Higgins passed away in July 2010 and his letter was sold at an auction for £2,400 four months later.

As per the BBC, a spokeswoman for Hansons auctioneers said: “We had several telephone bids and there was an awful lot of interest.”

Also known as the ‘People’s Champion’, Higgins is remembered as one of snooker’s all-time greats.

His made history by becoming the youngest World Champion at the age of 22 with his first title win in 1972.

The record stood for 18 years before Stephen Hendry won the 1990 title aged 21.

Higgins was a two-time Masters winner and even won the 1983 UK Championship final despite going 7-0 down against Steve Davis.

He is one of 11 players to have a Triple Crown, which is earned with wins in the World Championship, Masters and UK Championship.

Joining him in the elite club are fellow legends such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Hendry, Davis and John Higgins.

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