Higgins has Dott of luck

SNOOKER DEFENDING champion John Higgins surprised himself by winning his all-Scottish showdown with Graeme Dott at the Welsh Open.

The four-time world champion cruised to a 4-0 victory over his good pal Dott at Cardiff ’s Motorpoint Arena.

But after a season to forget by his own standards, Higgins said: “To win any game is tough for me just now.

“I could have had an easier game than playing someone as good as Graeme but luckily for me he was off form and gave me chances.”

Compatriot Stephen Maguire crashed out at the first hurdle after a frustrating 4-3 loss to top Chinese cueman Zhou Yuelong.