John Higgins doesn't feel as though the Crucible will be able to keep hosting the World Snooker Championships beyond 2027, something he believes will represent a 'sad day' for the sport.
The four-time world champion is competing in the World Snooker Championships for the 30th time in his career with only Ronnie O'Sullivan featuring in more.
He made his debut at the Crucible in 1995 and won his first world title just a few years later when he defeated Ken Doherty in the final.
Three more world titles followed between 2007 and 2011 and he reached the final in three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.
At 48 years of age, Higgins has raised doubts on whether he will ever be back at the Crucible to play in the Triple Crown event.
Looking further ahead though, the Sheffield venue is under serious threat of losing the tournament it has hosted since 1977.
Its contract expires in 2027 with Matchroom president Barry Hearn threatening to move the tournament abroad if Sheffield refuse to make changes to the Crucible.
Higgins is trying to make the most of what could be one of his last appearances at the famous venue.
"Listen, I've just go to go in and enjoy it," he said.
"I've been down from the get-go enjoying the city, the tournament, practising and hopefully the last 16.
"The atmosphere was amazing. It's going to be a sad day when it leaves here... 30 years.
"It means everything to me when you think what you achieved, who's been here, my family... it's been a massive part of my life."
Higgins showed what he's capable of in the first round with a confident win over Jamie Jones.
A much tougher test is expected in the next round though against provisional world No 1 Mark Allen.
John Higgins has won four world titles
GETTY
However, Higgins feels he still might have the edge of Allen, who has notoriously struggled at the Crucible.
"It's incredibly difficult, but he's not got a great record here," Higgins said. "He would tell you himself. He's only been to two semi-finals.
"One with me in 2007 and last year against Mark Selby.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
The Crucible's contract runs out in 2027
GETTY
"He's provisionally number one in the world which tells you everything you need to know.
"But he will be under pressure because he's wanting to come here and win the event.
"And he is maybe looking at the draw with Luca [Brecel] and Selby going out, and thinking this is the chance to win it for the first time.
"It is hardest to win it the first time."
