The new Northern Irish Trophy is to be named after snooker legend Alex Higgins.
Alex Higgins is one of the best known sportsmen of his era which was spread across the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s. Alex was well known for winning the 1982 World Championships in Sheffield with scenes of him crying whilst holding his baby daughter.
“Alex was an extraordinary talent and this is a fitting tribute to one of the game’s all-time greats,” said World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn.
In addition to winning the World Championships twice, Higgins is also known for winning the UK championships and the Masters twice. His flamboyant style of snooker and dynamic personality made millions of snooker fans in the UK and Ireland.
With the new Northern Irish trophy scheduled to be staged from 14th-20th November at the iconic Titanic exhibition centre this year for the first time, it is not surprising that this trophy will be named after such a legend. 128 of the best players in the world will compete here including Ronnie O’Sullivan as part of the home nations series which includes the English Open, Northern Irish Open, Welsh Open and Scottish Open.