Higgins hitting the heights

Higgins has won the first three titles of the new season

John Higgins says he is still hungry for victory even after making a record-breaking start to the season.

Winning the British Open last week meant that the 26-year-old Scot became the first player to win the opening three titles of a season.

The Open win at Newcastle followed victories in the Champions Cup and the Regal Masters.

"I'll be going to Preston totally relaxed," said Higgins.

"I don't think I can lose and that's a great feeling to have for any tournament."

Higgins believes he is finally beginning to fulfil his potential.

I don't think I can lose and that's a great feeling to have for any tournament

John Higgins

"I'm really enjoying my snooker now but a couple of years ago I wasn't doing as well as perhaps I might.

"I was going out for a few drinks when I perhaps should have been practising.

"When I got to the age of 26, I realised I hadn't got that long left in the game to do what I wanted.

"Now I'm a married man with a new baby and I rarely go out - it's a boring life!"

Higgins has won £255,500 thanks to his three victories in the last seven weeks.

That means he is only £100,000 short of his total for the whole of last season.

It has also done his world ranking no harm, putting just 2,000 points behind Ronnie O'Sullivan in the provisional order.

"Right now there is probably only Ronnie to worry about," says Higgins.

"But this is only the start of the season and things can change."