But such is the political in-fighting in the sport that proud Scot Higgins said: “It’s a terrible time to play snooker.

“There is a lot of animosity off the table amongst all the players,” added Higgins, who starts his defence against Ireland's Ken Doherty or perennial favourite Jimmy White on Thursday.

Indeed, the players are split on who should control the sport and how it should be run.

Just last week Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry issued a joint statement demanding an extraordinary general meeting to remove the Board of Directors at the World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association.

World number four Higgins has been a supporter of the game’s ruling body and benefited from a lucrative promotional contract.

That caused resentment in some quarters but Higgins argues the one-time takeover plans of 110 Sport also raised alarm among other professionals not aligned to the powerful Internet management stable.

A more recent offer from Altium Limited to take over the game was withdrawn by the company last month.

“There are grievances on both sides,” he admits. “I would have liked 110 Sport to come in and work through the WPBSA.”

Higgins also admits there have been approaches in the past for him to play on a new tour.

“It was said that in two or three years the rubbish would be weeded out and you’d be left with the top 32 or top 40 players,” he said.

“But that would only have been a temporary fix. The game is a whole lot bigger than that and the younger players just starting their careers wouldn’t have had a chance to come through.”

It is over four months since 27-year-old Higgins last picked up a cue for a major tournament, although he has been practising since mid-August.

And he says the break, plus a more settled home life, has helped rekindle his interest and enthusiasm.

“For the last couple of seasons I haven’t really been able to concentrate fully on the snooker.

“I’ve moved house twice, got married and become a dad for the first time, so it’s been hectic.

“But now things are almost back to normal,” added Higgins, whose wife Denise was expecting their son Pierce 12 months ago during the Regal Masters.

“I enjoy being down at the club again,” he explains. “In the past when it got to four o’clock I was ready to go home but now I’m happy to stay for a couple more hours.

“Winning the Masters was a monkey off my back because I’d lost four or five finals in Scotland.

“So, I can’t wait to get started and hopefully kick off the season with a win.”

Higgins was certainly the form player at the start of last term. Despite the imminent arrival of the baby, Higgins became the first player to win the opening three events of a new season.