John Higgins, known as the 'Wizard of Wishaw', is in Manchester to defend his Tour Championship title this week, an event he brilliantly won last year by beating Mark Selby in the final.

This year, he will face Mark Williams in his opening match, marking the start of a new title defense.

In addition to playing, Higgins is also involved as a commentator and pundit for Channel 5, but his main goal is to defend his title.

The professional rivalry between Higgins and Williams began in 1994, but their history dates back to 1990, when they met at the Home Internationals in Prestatyn, at the age of 15.

A highlight was the quarter-final match of the 2025 World Championship, where Williams dramatically won 13-12.

Higgins feels he 'owes him one' to Williams for that defeat, but now the rivalry is friendly, reflecting a maturity in their relationship.

Higgins comments that the relationship with Williams has improved over time, and that the rivalry has been transformed into a friendship.

He also highlights the difference between the generations of players and the importance of enjoying the game.

In addition to his participation as a player, Higgins debuted as a commentator at the Players Championship, where he experienced nerves, comparable to 'the first day of school'.

Higgins was excited by the news that the World Snooker Championship will remain at the Crucible until 2045, an agreement he described as 'incredible'.

He believes that the venue needs improvements and that the renovation is great news for the event.

The tournament will be played at the Manchester Central, and Higgins hopes that the nerves of his debut as a commentator at the Players Championship have diminished.

Higgins confesses that he felt nerves in the commentary box during the Players Championship, but enjoyed the experience.

He also reflects on the search for balance in the commentary, without wanting to talk too much.

Higgins prefers not to use social media and relies on the opinions of his wife and brothers to evaluate his performance.