John Higgins has admitted he has never been close with fellow snooker icons and Despite their respective ups and downs (mostly ups), the 'Class of 92' remain a towering presence in the game, more than three decades after turning pro together.

With 14 world titles between them, all three will have lost count of how many times they have played each other. Their longevity is matched by the respect they hold for each other. Speaking in an interview for said: "I've said it numerous times, to be classed with those two legends of the game is special. You don't really know you're part of something [special] until you retire.

"You'll look back and think, 'that was good'. Thirty-three years and counting and the three of us are still up near the top eight of the game."

The trio are friendly rivals rather than friends, according to Higgins, who added: "We get on, we're civil but we've never been close because you've always been fighting for titles with them.

"You respect them, yeah, they're unbelievable players. It's the hardest standard we've ever had in snooker, without a doubt. I'm proud I'm still up there competing."

Higgins, who plays Joe O'Connor in round one, headed to the Crucible as the 'Class of 92' member most likely to get his hands on the trophy. It was far cry from the early days of this season when his game appeared to be in decline as he dropped out of the top 16 for the first time in almost 30 years.

It looked like Father Time was finally catching up with Higgins, who turns 50 in May. However, after quickly regaining his place in the top 16, he ended his four-year wait for a 32nd ranking title at the World Open and then won the recent Tour Championship in Manchester.

"It was a concern," said Higgins on his early-season struggles. "The trajectory of my career... I wasn't dropping like a stone, but I was steadily losing places every year, which eventually put me outside the top 16.

"You obviously start thinking that your time might be up at the top end of the game, it's only natural. But it shows you what happens in sport. Fast forward a few months and it's flipped on its head again.

"It reinforces a bit of belief that you can still do it. I've always been open about my mental state, I'd been getting pretty down. At critical points in matches, I seemed to be falling down and that takes it toll on you."

Higgins' upturn may have inspired O'Sullivan and Williams amid their struggles. The Rocket has barely been seen this year, and his presence in Sheffield has only recently been confirmed. Williams has been struggling with his eyesight, although he defeated Chinese star Wu Yize in the first round on Sunday.

The thrill of gracing the Crucible has helped keep Higgins playing for so long. He admitted: "The time I stop playing at the Crucible is the time I'll stop having my birthdays. I've played there 30-odd years - it's more than half my life - every April and May at the Crucible. It'll be a sad day when you don't get to go there."