<p><br /> Snooker star Alex Higgins has died after a long battle with throat cancer.<br /> </p><p><br /> The 61-year-old former world champion was known as the Hurricane by his many fans.<br /> </p><p><br /> Higgins, from Northern Ireland, was diagnosed with throat cancer more than 10 years ago. He was discovered at a block of flats in the centre of Belfast. He had been unwell for some time.<br /> </p><p><br /> The player had not been answering his mobile phone and the flat had to be broken into, sources close to him said.<br /> </p><p><br /> Living in sheltered housing on the Donegall Road in Belfast, Mr Higgins is considered to be one of the finest snooker players of all time. He has had long-term problems with alcohol and smoking since winning the world title in 1972 and 1982.<br /> </p><p><br /> Despite his numerous fights and rows with referees over the years, he continued to play the game regularly and appeared at the Irish Professional Championship in 2005 and 2006.<br /> </p><p><br /> Higgins has been an inspiration for many of today's best players, including Ken Doherty, Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan.<br /> </p>
