During this year’s World Snooker Championship, we’ll be recalling some of the most memorable moments that took place at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Has there ever been an atmosphere like it in snooker?
It’s saying something to pinpoint one instance in which the atmosphere at the Crucible Theatre was at its most electric, most spine-tingling, most awe-inspiring.
But anybody who watched the introductions to the final session of the 2011 World Snooker Championship final between John Higgins and Judd Trump, and for anyone who was lucky enough to be inside the venue itself on that incredible night, there should be a nod of appreciation for the sheer buzz and energy that was uniquely generated.
It was one of those rare moments when everything simply came together at the right time and at just the perfect place too.
Popular emcee Rob Walker is famed for his ability to build a crowd’s enthusiasm before the players are introduced into the arena but even he would have been surprised by the level of cheer that was created.
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Higgins, who had only recently returned from a short suspension from the sport and was looking to defeat the new kid on the block with his fresh brand of naughty snooker, could only laugh along with Trump as he went to shake the emerging talent’s hand before the fourth session commenced.
Both protagonists were clearly stunned by the reception that they received and Willie Thorne in the commentary box admitted that he had a tear in his eye.
That Higgins and Trump were called in through the smokey doors to the tune of Seal’s “Killer” – one of the first times the organisers had opted to use that as their theme on the Finals night – made it that bit more special.
Eight years on and there’s a distinct possibility that the 2019 final could follow suit, with Higgins and Trump again fighting it out for a place in this year’s final.
This article has been updated and was originally published on May 2nd, 2018.
John Higgins and Judd Trump Entrance
https://youtu.be/gSe2o4mXWJM?t=3m49s
