Finally, to wrap up this mini-series of Throwback posts, we’ll have a look at the most recent decade involving the three established champions from the coveted Class of ’92 era. After twenty years, you’d think there was a decline or a noticeable performance drop however, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams still prove that age is but a number as they continued expanding their already extensive trophy cabinets.
From 2010-19, the Class of ’92 amassed an incredible 30 ranking titles between them as well as 17 non-ranking titles. Their Triple Crown endeavours included 4 World Championships, 4 Masters and 4 UK Championships, some of which were accomplished in extraordinary manners. Showing that they were still forces to be reckoned with, these three individuals continued to be the torch bearers for the game as they halted the tracks for any newcomers aiming to dominate the sport.
Williams won 6 ranking titles plus the Seniors during the 2010s although, most of his success came in the 2017/18 season where he was able to end his six year trophy drought by claiming three titles in the season – the most impressive being his third World Championship in 2018. Closing out a terrific season against his fellow compatriot Higgins, Williams went from a serious retirement consideration to one of his best seasons, all while winning the sport’s biggest prize fifteen years after his last.
On the other side of the coin, Higgins did well to capture 10 ranking titles during the decade, topped with a further 6 non-ranking victories. Higgins won the UK Championship at the turn of the decade in the deciding frame against Williams, and followed this in 2011 with his fourth World Championship against a young riser in Judd Trump. Higgins did well to add to his trophy cabinet during this period, but his competitiveness really shone through towards the end of the decade as he reached three successive WSC finals in 2017-19. Despite coming out on the wrong end of each of these finals, Higgins displayed a fierce resolve and match-play that still holds back all top contenders.
Lastly, O’Sullivan managed to accumulate a remarkable 14 ranking and 10 non-ranking titles during this period which included two World Championships, three Masters and three UKs. The most impressive of his feats had to be his WSC triumph in 2013 (click here to see why) considering he took an entire year out from competition just to return and ‘steal’ the world title. Imagine how many more trophies he would’ve won that season had he competed? Showing moments of brilliance throughout the decade, including his five ranking titles in 2017/18, as well as his historic UK Championship/18th Triple Crown in 2018, O’Sullivan continued to cement his legacy as possibly the greatest of all time.
The most inspiring thing about the Class of ’92 is that many expected them to get phased out by the likes of Ding, Robertson, Selby and Trump who were coming through as the next top contenders. And while these players did find success during the 2010s, the Class of ’92 had their hands on a fair share of silverware. Not only that, but there hasn’t been drastic dip in their match-play; if anything, they’ve found themselves doing quite well in the most recent of times as they comfortably hang around the Top 16.
So my question to you is how long do you think it will take before the rest of the field can push aside the Class of ’92? Because as it stands, it’s only really the top handful of elite players that can consistently beat these veterans. A rising age is normally associated with a decline in performance with sport however, O’Sullivan, Higgins and Williams continue to push the boundaries of their limitless winning powers.
See you in ten years for the 2020s Throwback!
Like this Short? Click here to read: Snooker's Class of 1992 (2000s) – Throwback
Have an idea for a Short post? Feel free to get in touch using the social media links below! Thanks for reading!