Following his elimination from the Tour Championship, John Higgins suggests retiring.

Following his elimination from the Tour Championship, John Higgins suggests retiring.

Following his loss to Mark Allen in the opening round of the Tour Championship on Monday night, John Higgins hinted that this could be his final World Championship.

In an exciting match in Manchester, the Northern Irishman scored three tons and four half-centuries to help the Pistol defeat the Wizard 10-7.

The Scot got off to a great start, scoring four half-centuries in the opening five frames to lead 4-1. However, he stumbled a little after that and Allen won the second session easily.

After being pleased by Allen’s performance, Higgins focused on the Crucible later this month, but he hinted that it might be his “last try” at the World Championship.

On this level, I missed two or three balls that I can’t forgive. You can’t afford to miss, and I didn’t have a very long game. It’s not good enough against the greatest players at this level.

All I have to do is pick myself up. Try to get some excellent practice a few weeks prior to the Worlds, then maybe head there and give it one last shot.

It was unclear whether Higgins was only disappointed with his loss or if he was implying that there was still a chance to win the competition, but the 48-year-old did seem to be indicating that the conclusion was in sight.

When asked if he would consider retiring in January, Higgins honestly wasn’t sure if he was getting near to hanging up his cue.

It’s challenging, very, very challenging. Who knows? Higgins said earlier in the season to Metro.co.uk. I adore the game, enjoying both playing and competing in it.

I’m simply gradually losing the ability to train and put myself out there; it’s just the off-table aspect of it, with the practice and other stuff.

One is not possible without the other. It’s challenging. However, I should be focusing on the good right now, going there, and giving it everything I have.

But the Wizard of Wishaw appeared to have refocused, having for the first time in his career consulted a sports psychologist.

We will have to wait and see as that move did not seem to indicate that the four-time world champion was about to retire. His future may also depend on how well he does in Sheffield this year.