WHIFF OF SUCCESS

Williams: Old boys are hanging around like bad smell... I love it more than ever

- 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 prolific 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 genuine shot of Crucible glory at the World Championship.

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.

It will be the latest instalment of a Crucible rivalry which has rolled over more than 25 years.