Ronnie O'Sullivan has paid John Higgins the ultimate compliment by dubbing his rival 'the most complete snooker player'.
Higgins is currently in action at the Welsh Open, a competition he's won a record five times over the years.
While O'Sullivan has enjoyed a strong start to 2024, however, Higgins is struggling to operate at the peak of his powers.
The Wizard of Wishaw hasn't won a ranking title since 2021, when he won the Players Championship.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is missing the Welsh Open this year after confirming his withdrawal over the weekend
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Higgins has revealed he's been tinkering with his cue as he looks to get back to his best, with the 48-year-old recently saying: "I’ve tried to chop my cue again, I know I’m always tinkering, but a feel a wee bit more compact, more in control.
"You watch all the rest of the boys, they’re a lot more compact, whereas I felt as though I was all over the place a lot of the time, so it’s helping me."
And O'Sullivan has now hailed Higgins, dubbing his rival the 'most complete' snooker player while backing him to do what he feels comfortable with.
"Sometimes you have to because you know somethings not quite right," he said on Eurosport.
"It’s hard because John is the most complete snooker player, technically, all-round.
"You hear him say he’s not compact and if he’s not compact what chance has anyone got?
"Sometimes it’s just a feeling, you’re just looking for a feeling and you think, I feel good now and your confidence is up and running."
Higgins has admitted to seeing a sports psychologist to turn his form around.
And O'Sullivan believes that's a decision that could pay off.
Rocket continued: "John’s so reliable, so strong.
"It’s been well-documented that he’s working with someone to help with the mental side.
"Just doing something like that gives you that bit of impetus and sometimes that’s what you need.
"You’ve always got to be open to try new things.
"That’s something John hasn’t tried and I think it will add another five, six, seven good years on to his career.
"It’s like a football club having a new manager, sometimes a snooker player needs a new cue, or a new practice routine, a new way of doing things and I think having that is something that will keep him fresh and excited to see what’s in the tank.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has made it clear how much he rates and respects John Higgins
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"He plays with the right spirit, the right vibe, he just tries hard, he’s just a tough opponent.
"I think a win is what he needs."
On his own decision not to play in the Welsh Open, meanwhile, O'Sullivan has shed more light on that call having previously admitted to suffering with 'stage fright' and 'anxiety'.
“I think it's a great tournament and a great venue, really nice to be on the coast, it's always a great week and I think everyone loves coming to this tournament," he said.
“The key for me is if I can get away with playing the least amount that's great for me and just try to stay in the rankings, free some time up and enjoy myself. I don't want to be on the treadmill every week.”
John Higgins is looking to win the Welsh Open for a record sixth time
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O'Sullivan has now opted to withdraw from seven ranking tournaments this year.
He's eager to put himself first so he can continue to dominate the big snooker events for the foreseeable future.
