Baize legend Higgins calls

Baize legend Higgins calls

20 October 2021

AN Ardglass businessman received an unexpected and welcome phone-call that resulted in him rubbing shoulders with one of the biggest names in snooker.

Paul Curran, owner of Cuefix NI, is no stranger to doing business with stars in the snooker world with the local man having been trusted with servicing Belfast ace Mark Allen’s cue tip for a considerable amount of time.

However, he wasn’t expecting to be preparing John 

Higgins’ snooker cue ahead of his recent Northern Ireland Open semi-final clash against Yan Bingtao in the Water-

front.

“John had done an interview after the quarter-final match and said he was struggling with his cue,” said Paul.

“Fraser Patrick, who also does cue tips for professionals in Scotland including John’s, phoned me straight away to sort it for him just before the semi-final,” he continued.

“Those who repair cues for the pros are all more or less acquainted with each other, so that’s how I received the call. Before long, John was down getting it sorted and it was all done within a hour. He was a lovely bloke.”

Paul’s magic worked as Higgins advanced to the final where he subsequently met another familiar face in Mark Allen, with the Northern Irishman claiming victory in what was a remarkable final.

Paul added: “It’s funny how that worked out but now I actually have experience with both of the finalists so that was very pleasing for me.”