Stewart hoping to keep card with his last throw of the dice

Spendingtheweekatcenter Parcs seems to be doing wonders for John Higgins’ snooker after he moved into the last 32 of the Dafabet English Open.

When he’s not on the baize in Barnsley, Higgins is staying with his family at the resort in Sherwood Forest, 30 miles away.

The 42-year-old joked that the fitness gained from the outdoor activities is making a huge difference on the table but Matt Selt found it no laughing matter as he was dispatched 4-1 in round two yesterday.

“I’ve not picked my cue up since Monday because I’ve been at Center Parcs with the family,” said the fourtime world champion.

“I’ve been doing everything – climbing trees, quad-biking, archery. My backside is so sore because we’ve been on the bikes!

“That’s the only way you can get about the park really, you’re always on the bike. I suppose it is helping me a bit fitness-wise!”

Higgins made breaks

2 Duncan Stewart has played 27 events on the European Tour this season but at the moment he’s sitting a disappointing 129th on the money list. Today he tees off in the Andalucia Valderrama Masters on the Costa del Sol.