Snooker legend Alex “Hurricane” Higgins is due to appear at The Crucible today for the start of the Snooker Legends tournament just days after being rushed to hospital with suspected pneumonia.

Last week it was reported that the 61-year-old, who won the world title in 1972 and 1982, was fighting for his life after being rushed to Belfast City Hospital.

However his agent Kevin Kelly dismissed the reports saying the snooker champ, who was diagnosed with throat cancer more than 10 years ago, was just a “little lethargic”.

He explained Higgins, who is now in remission, had an appointment that afternoon but began to feel tired and needed to be rehydrated.

Last night Mr Kelly told the Belfast Telegraph the “Hurricane” was now in “great form” and insisted he would be on centre stage for today’s exhibition match in Sheffield.

It is expected the Northern Ireland snooker player will go up against some of the world’s other great legends such as Cliff Thorburn’s, John Parrott and Jimmy White.

“I just picked him up from the airport and they are now heading to Sheffield,” he said. “He’s in great form. He’s looking forward to it (the match) and can’t wait.

“He will be playing at the Crucible tomorrow. It’s the launch of the tour but the actual tour won’t start until May.”

Higgins, who has been living in sheltered housing on the Donegall Road in Belfast, is considered to be one of the finest snooker players of all time.

He has had long-term problems with alcohol and smoking since his world title victories.

Despite his numerous fights and rows with referees over the years, he still plays the game and appeared at the Irish Professional Championship in 2005 and 2006.

Higgins has been an inspiration for many of today's best players, including Ken Doherty, Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

A spokesman for the Belfast Trust confirmed last night that Mr Higgins was no longer a patient at the hospital. The sold-out Snooker Legends tournament is expected to kick off at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield tonight at 7.15pm.

Video Interview: Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins not blown out yet