Upbeat John Higgins after Welsh Open round two win: "I don't care what anyone says, it's different class"

The great Scot spoke with the BBC Sport Wales team at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno immediately after his 4-0 second round victory over Robert Milkins on Wednesday morning.

Higgins - who is going for a record-extending sixth Welsh Open crown - registered breaks of 65, 83, 72 and 68 - in his whitewash win over the champion here two years ago. The result means that Higgins has yet to drop a frame this week having also clean swept compatriot Graeme Dott in his opening match.

Speaking alongside Shaun Murphy and Reanne Evans in the studio, despite the one-sided scoreline, Higgins talked about negative thoughts creeping into his head towards the end of his tie with Milkins after he missed what was essentially match-ball red in the fourth frame. Milkins could not capitalise, though, as he subsequently missed the brown going for a clearance.

In recent years, Higgins - who has not won a ranking event title since 2021 - has lost several high profile matches on the World Snooker Tour having been in very commanding positions. Last month at the Masters in London, Higgins led Neil Robertson 5-1 in the opening fixture of the tournament but went out 6-5 after a brilliant comeback from the Australian.

"Last year I tried a sports psychologist and I just maybe felt it's not for me. I maybe go to another one, who knows?" said the 49-year-old.

It has been an unprecedented trophyless spell in ranking action for the four-time World Champion, although he remains upbeat about his game and is confident with his new equipment, but feels the standard of the tour is unforgiving.

"I feel as if I'm hitting the ball really good. Listen, I feel like I'm a better player now than I was 20 odd years ago, 30 odd years ago.

"I'm up against people that are playing to a great level. It was easier for me years ago. When I was in the top 16, if I'd won two matches, I'm nearly at the quarter-finals. Nowadays if you win two matches - you're playing two harder matches, in my opinion - and you're only in the last 32 of a tournament.

"In my eyes, it's so much tougher now the game. The strength and depth throughout the whole tour is different class to what it was. I don't care what anyone says, it's different class to what it was."

Higgins was asked by Murphy about his cue, and the 31-time ranking event champion revealed he has made changes, and signed a long-term contract with an overseas manufacturer.

"I'm totally fine with it, Shaun. As you come to the end of your career, there's maybe people wanting you to maybe endorse a cue. I've signed a deal with a Chinese company for 10 years, so they will obviously want me to try their cue.

"My tip size was too big for these tables. My tip size was up at 9.7, 9.8 (mm), now I'm down to 9.3, 9.4 to try and get a bit more whip through the white through the pack because I've never been a power player."

Next up for Higgins in North Wales is either Yuan Sijun or Mark Allen in the last 16 on Thursday.

For the draw and results from the 2025 Welsh Open, please visit our tournament information centre here.