Alex Higgins walked into the press conference at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and my eyes popped wide open. Hanging from every pocket of his safari jacket were £20 notes - bundles of them.

"Alex, you're mad - you'll be mugged walking about like that," I said. He just laughed and replied: "I had it off in Belfast, babes. Three grand at the races, and I've got a hot tip for you."

It was the start of an incredible afternoon in 1980, just months after I had been introduced to the Hurricane.

The press conference over, Higgins whisked a handful of journalists to the exclusive Eccentric Club, a private establishment in the West End frequented by the likes of the legendary Joe Davis and other snooker stars in their heyday.

Higgins was adamant we should all back his tip for the 3.15 at Beverley. "Get the Chablis on ice," he told the others and took me to the bookies. "Just write '£1,000 to win Sunny Smile' and I'll square it with the bookie," he said.

I was dumbstruck because it was such a huge sum, but after a mind-boggling few minutes in which I had to track down a phone to place another £200 bet with "Steady Eddie" in Belfast, Sunny Smile romped home at 7-2 and the fiver I had laid out earned me £17.50.

For years, I harboured a dream to write a warts-and-all book about Higgins, and Eye of the Hurricane recalls the mayhem, but also the humour surrounding the best-loved snooker player of all...and the most tortured of human beings.

Most referees and officials were said to be terrified of him, but everyone wanted to play the Hurricane because he was big box-office and always gave opponents a chance because of his flamboyant game.

He could also reduce us to tears with his slick one-liners and hilarious stories. He reserved one of his best for me during our one and only argument after 15 years of friendship when he said during a world championship press conference: "The only Hennessey I talk to these days is cognac - three star."

Having survived a major cancer operation, Higgins leads what appears to be a a pitiful lifestyle, flitting between Manchester, his adopted home, and his native Belfast, scraping up a few quid on the pool table for his boozing and betting.

Yet for all the turmoil which followed him, Higgins is regarded fondly by most snooker people.

Barry Hearn, the entrepreneur who helped spark the Eighties snooker boom via Steve Davis, said: "I had more fun with Alex than any other player.

He was a nightmare because you always knew you'd have to lend him money when he played for you - and as soon as he'd done that lot at the bookies, he'd be back for more. My golden rule was the last pot I lent him would be just enough to get him home.

"I considered him unmanageable. I could never have coped with what went on away from the table. There would have been a lot of ulcers and a lot of bar bills. But he put bums on seats and was great for the game."

Joe Johnson, the 1986 world champion, recalls an incident in the China Sea when several players competing in the Hong Kong Open were taken for a cruise. "Alex was terrified of water and couldn't swim, while I was convinced it was shark-infested and refused to join them swimming," said Johnson.

"Alex was desperate to be involved, so a crewman found a kiddy's rubber ring in the shape of a swan and tied a rope around it. Alex clung to the neck and splashed out to join the gang. Suddenly, the ring capsized and Higgy went under. I was sure he was going to drown, so I grabbed the rope and hauled him in.

"Unfortunately, the rope had wrapped around his neck and by the time I got him back to the boat he had a huge rope burn as if he had been hanged.

I thought he'd explode, but Alex hugged me and said, 'You saved my life, babes. I'll be in your debt for ever'. He's upset a lot of people but, bless him, we have always stayed friends." There was little love lost between Higgins and 1979 world champion Terry Griffiths, but the Welshman stressed: "He was my hardest opponent -- and I played all the greats."

Paul Hatherell. the tournament director butted by Higgins in the infamous 1986 incident at Preston, recalled: "Months later, during the awards dinner, I was dancing with my wife, Gillian, and Higgins approached us.

He leaned over and apologised to Gillian for what had gone on. In the same breath, he whispered in my ear: 'And you're a dead man'. But he made me laugh when, after one tournament win, he was adamant he wanted Alexander Gordon Higgins inscribed on the trophy."

Six-time world champion Ray Reardon said: "Alex invented shots. He could play every side imaginable on the cue ball except suicide. He was a great player - and my hardest opponent. He turned up for one exhibition with two black eyes after a punch-up with a fan the previous night and walloped me off the table."

Higgins' best pal, Jimmy White, has stuck by him through thick and thin. "Alex was the greatest and no one should forget that," he said. "People say I influenced a generation of players, but he influenced millions.