Epic Ronnie O’Sullivan vs John Higgins rivalry still simmering after 36 years

John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan meet at the Crucible again (Picture: Getty Images)

Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins have been scrapping away on the snooker table since they were boys and it remains a simmering sporting rivalry in their sixth decades, but not a personal one that has ever boiled over.

The Rocket and the Wizard of Wishaw might be the highest quality and most enduring rivalry on the baize, but it has never had any real edge to it, making it an epic war, but a cordial one.

The latest battle comes at the Crucible as they meet in the second round of the World Championship, starting on Saturday night.

Both men turn 51 this year and the Englishman remembers the first time he met the Scot, long before either achieved the legendary status they hold now.