Considered by many to be a genius at his peak, Alex Higgins' unorthodox play and exciting style earned him the nickname 'Hurricane' and led to his immense popularity and fame. He is credited with elevating the game of snooker from the backrooms to the world stage. In 1972 he became the youngest winner of the World Championship, repeating his victory in emotional style in 1982. The high-life followed, with parties and prolonged drinking bouts accompanied by celebrities, including his close friend Oliver Reed. Higgins' story is so much more than just snooker. Head-butting tournament officials, threatening to have team-mates shot, getting involved with gangsters, abusing referees, affairs with glamorous women, frequent fines and lengthy bans, all contributed to Higgins slipping down the rankings as he succumbed to drink and drug taking and lost his fortune. After suffering two bouts of throat cancer, Alex Higgins now reflects on his turbulent life and career in his first full autobiography - from the eye of the 'Hurricane'.
|