Snooker's new elite

Williams: beaten by Higgins but still a dominant force

By the BBC's Clive Everton

After beating Mark Williams 10-4 to win the UK Championship for the second time in three years, John Higgins acknowledged it was about time he stamped his authority on this season.

He had yet to make a major impact while Williams, and his other main rival Ronnie O'Sullivan, have both already won ranking titles.

Unlike the 1980s, which were dominated by Steve Davis, or the 90s, in which Stephen Hendry was king, the new decade is developing in top-level snooker into a three-way rivalry between Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan.

The big three

This trio seem to have detached themselves, although not conclusively, from Hendry, who last won a world ranking title 15 months ago.

Matthew Stevens, the B&H Masters champion and runner-up in both the UK and World Championships last season, is temporarily in recession although at 23, he still has time to get up there with the three 25-year-olds.

O'Sullivan: the third member of 'the big three'

Peter Ebdon, who won the British Open in early October, is one of a small group of players with the quality to win tournaments occasionally but not the frequency of the big three.

The three have now played so many finals that there is no longer any unfamiliarity about such occasions. Higgins has won 20 of his 33, williams 12 of his 20.

As for world ranking titles. Higgins is already third with 14 behind Hendry's 28 and Steve Davis with 32. Williams lies fourth on 10, just above John Parrott and Jimmy White who have both won nine but are nearer the end of their careers than the start.

It may not be long before O'Sullivan, currently on eight, overtakes them and, like Higgins and Williams, he has many title winning years in front of him.