ALEX HIGGINS

I never had any doubts about my ability. The problem was getting into so many scrapes because of my erratic temperament.

I could think six shots ahead. It's no different to playing chess.

I invented every shot that has ever been played.

I always played on my nerves - on the edge.

If I'd been from a different background, I could have gone to a grammar school, I suppose. I might have been a different person.

I want to be the Cassius Clay of snooker. Cassius is the greatest at boxing and that's what I mean to be at snooker.

No Alex Higgins, no snooker.

I'm very good when it comes to the crunch.

I might have been a jockey, you know. I started by riding horses bareback and holding on to the mane before they finally threw me off.

By my very nature, I would never achieve a great level of consistency. That's my appeal and my downfall rolled into one.

I used to play snooker in millionaires' mansions with marble floors and eat at the best places, but that's all over now.

Would I have done anything different? I might have put a golf club in my hand instead of a cue. I love watching those guys play. Every situation is different, everything - every shot - has to be so precise.

The tobacco companies and snooker were as thick as thieves.

When I was 15, I was about seven stone - the average weight for a kid of 11 in them days was about nine stone. I managed to keep my head down because there was about half a dozen heavies in the class and there was bullying in them days. But I stayed one step ahead of them all the time.

I'm quite a studious person, I think.

I just love playing snooker. Every single frame is different. Not one referee ever sets the balls up exactly the same.

I had such a great affection and love for playing snooker.

Nobody worked as hard to make snooker a popular sport as I did.

What chance has cancer against me?

I have been a fighter all my life.

I am trapped in snooker.

I love to sit and watch a bit of 'Cash in the Attic.'

I haven't really had much to do with my life. All I've done is take part in it.

I think my presence around the table was mesmerising at times. It captured people.

I have a strong will-power.