Former world snooker champion Alex "Hurricane" Higgins (49) is receiving treatment in a Belfast hospital for throat cancer.
He moved back to his home town for treatment earlier this year. He is a patient in the Royal Victoria Hospital, where members of his family are keeping a vigil at his bedside.
In his heyday, Higgins delighted snooker fans the world over. From the back streets of Belfast, he became the people's champion, winning the world snooker titles in 1972 and 1982.
He has also been surrounded by controversy. He faced assault charges, has had frequent public drinking binges and has gone through two divorces.
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He has not played in major competitions for over a year.