Ken Doherty issues Crucible glory prediction for two members of the 'Class of 92'

At a combined age of 99 years, and with seven world titles between then, Higgins and Williams - two of snooker's all-time greats - meet in the last eight at the Crucible across Tuesday and Wednesday.

Both exponents have been severely examined in their opening two ties at the blue riband event.

Higgins came from a first session deficit to defeat Joe O'Connor 10-7 in round one before ousting Xiao Guodong 13-12 in a last 16 encounter that went to an unscheduled fourth session.

Williams was very strong at the end of his first round game, winning the final three frames to dispatch Wu Yize, 10-8. In round two, he ended the hopes of Hossein Vafaei with a 13-10 victory.

It will be the sixth time that the two legends will face each other on snooker's grandest stage. Williams holds a 4-1 lead on that particular head-to-head count; the two shared one of the best-ever World Championship finals in 2018 that Williams emerged from with an 18-16 win.

Speaking exclusively with Gambling.com, 1997 World Champion Ken Doherty said he was really looking forward to the two crossing cues once again.

"It’s the tie of the round [John Higgins vs Mark Williams]. They've been at loggerheads since 1992. There’s three of the class of 1992 in the quarter-finals: [Ronnie] O’Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"But the Higgins vs. Williams clash, it’s the sort of the romance of it all, even after all these years. They're still playing great snooker and still at the top of the game. One of them is going to be in the semi-final, and whoever does get through, will have a great chance of winning this championship. So it would be an unbelievable story, but I'm just relishing the prospect of them going head-to-head again.

"They had the final in 2018 where it went really, really close. And I think there's going to be another cracker. It'll be really hard fought and there won't be much between the two of them. Higgins is probably playing that little bit better than Williams. He has better form coming into this tournament. But he had a really hard fought last match [vs. Xiao Guodong] as well, as did Williams.

"I'm going to give Higgins the edge slightly, but it wouldn't surprise me if Williams won it, because he's such a character. He plays down his chances because of his self-deprecating skills, and that he's still struggling a little bit with his eyes. But for a fellow who's half blind, he's not doing too bad.

"It's going to be a cracker. I'm really, really looking forward to it. And I'm sure when both of them come into the arena and onto the Crucible floor, they will get a standing ovation - and they deserve that. They got that when they played in the Masters a couple of years ago, and I'm sure the crowd will give it to them again, because they've graced that Crucible for over 30 years. And they've both been great ambassadors for the game.

"This is a moment and match to really relish, savour and just enjoy. It doesn't matter who wins. They’re two of the cleverest players that have ever played the game, two of the greatest breakbuilders and safety players. And also two players with unbelievable temperaments, so cool under pressure. And have produced their best sometimes when the pressure is at its most intense. And that's why they've been so successful over the years."

Judd Trump is playing the best out of the remaining contestants says Doherty

The quarter-final line-up in Sheffield is a very high-quality one.

Higgins and Williams are in the bottom half of the draw alongside Luca Brecel and Judd Trump. All four have been world champions, and they are the four highest seeds from that side of the draw.

In the top half, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is still on course for a record eighth title in the modern era. He is joined by Chinese stars Zhao Xintong and Si Jiahui, and Chris Wakelin, who has eliminated the number eight and nines seeds in his run.

Asked about his thoughts on who will lift the iconic trophy on Monday 5th May, six-time ranking event champion Doherty said: "Of all the players in the quarter-finals, [Judd] Trump is playing the best. But things can change. We're not even halfway through yet. You're only halfway when you get to the semi-finals, because you've got another eight sessions to go.

"It's incredible, really. This is a marathon of mind, body and spirit - and obviously skill and talent. It wouldn't surprise me if either of them [Williams or Higgins] won. But of all the players I've seen play over the last 10 days, Trump is playing the best."

Please visit our 2025 World Snooker Championship tournament information centre here for details on the draw, results, format and order of play.

Ken Doherty was talking to Gambling.com

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