The old boys rivalry that's still in class of its own

WILLIAMS AND HIGGINS ON THE SCENT OF MORE GLORY

- Shane MacDermott

MARK WILLIAMS quipped snooker’s famous Class of 92 are “hanging around like a bad smell”, ahead of today’s blockbuster quarter-final showdown with John Higgins.

The evergreen potting pair, who turned professional in the same summer alongside Ronnie O'Sullivan, have a combined age of almost 100.

It is a great testament to the legendary trio’s longevity that they are still all ranked inside the world’s top six, with a shot at World Championship glory.

Williams, 50, is struggling with his eyesight and has booked in for lens replacement surgery in the summer, while Higgins is usually in bed by 9.30pm and using cat naps to keep his energy levels up in Sheffield.