Snooker Legends’ Bitter Rivalry, Cake-Smashing, Punches, and Verbal Tirades

…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.

Cliff Thorburn and Alex Higgins were two of snooker’s biggest stars during the 1980s.

However, their careers were marred by a bitter and violent feud.

The pair engaged in physical altercations, verbal tirades, and even cake-smashing incidents during their matches.

In the 1980 SAS final, Thorburn pushed Higgins’ face into a celebratory cake after the latter allegedly had it wheeled into his dressing room.

Thorburn decided to smother Higgins with the cake he received when their match was tied at 16-16 (Image: Getty Images)
Thorburn decided to smother Higgins with the cake he received when their match was tied at 16-16 (Image: Getty Images)

The incident did not stop Thorburn from winning the match, but it was only the beginning of their long-standing rivalry.

They clashed again in 1983 when Thorburn punched and kicked Higgins in the groin during the 1983 Irish Open.

Thorburn’s tough opponents and regrettable cocaine addiction

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Despite their disdain for each other, Thorburn admitted that Higgins was his toughest opponent, apart from Steve Davis.

He described Higgins as a heck of a player who knew what he could get away with.

Thorburn also revealed that he bothered Higgins, who always seemed to attract aggravation wherever he went.

Alex Higgins also fell victim to Thorburn another time when the Canadian punched and kicked him to the ground a few years later after a verbal spat (Image: Getty Images)
Alex Higgins also fell victim to Thorburn another time when the Canadian punched and kicked him to the ground a few years later after a verbal spat (Image: Getty Images)

However, Thorburn had a nemesis away from snooker – cocaine.

In 1988, he tested positive for the Class A substance and was subsequently banned for two tournaments, had ranking points docked by the WPBSA, and was fined £10,000.

Commentary

The violent feud between Cliff Thorburn and Alex Higgins is a reminder that even in seemingly genteel sports like snooker, tempers can flare, and players can engage in physical altercations.

The fact that two of the sport’s biggest stars were involved in such a bitter rivalry underscores the intensity of competition at the highest level.

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It also shows that even great athletes can succumb to addiction, as Thorburn’s cocaine use demonstrates.

Overall, this article sheds light on the less glamorous and darker side of professional snooker.

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