Higgins in the frame for world double
JOHN HIGGINS and Stephen Maguire will fly the flag for Scotland in the 2015 World Cup in Wuxi, China from June 15-21.
The Wishaw Wizard is aiming for a famous double after partnering Stephen Hendry and Alan McManus to glory in the 1996 Thailand showcase.
Higgins and Maguire are in Group B with Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Brazil and Belgium.
Meanwhile, Glasgow’s Dylan Craig beat English amateur John Beesley 4-1 yesterday at Qualifying School 2 in Burton-on-Trent. He needs to win four more matches to secure a pro tour card for the next two seasons. CRICKET: Scotland outcast Majid Haq, who was sent home from the World Cup in March and is currently suspended after posting a race-related tweet, is taking a break from the sport. ICE HOCKEY: Local hero John Dolan will start his seventh season in the Elite League after re-signing for Dundee Stars. Edinburgh Capitals have re-signed Scotland Under-19 captain Jay King. HOCKEY: Katie Stott, daughter of ex-GB Olympic captain Pauline, will make her European debut for Grove Menzieshill in the Club Champions Trophy tournament in France this weekend. JUDO: World No.6 Sally Conway faces a daunting task at this weekend’s World Masters in Rabat, Morocco.
Nine of the world’s top 10 at Under- 70k are in the draw including the five ranked above the Edinburgh judoka. PETE HORNE reckons Glasgow face the “battle of their lives” in their Pro12 semi-final showdown against Ulster tonight.
Warriors tackle the Belfast side six days after thrashing them at Scotstoun but Ulster boss Neil Doak has made 11 changes and recalled a host of big guns.
Horne insisted the 32-10 win will have no bearing on the Glasgow return.
He said: “It is going to be a huge battle – the battle of our lives. They’ll be brimming over with world-class performers and we will need to produce a world-class display to get a result.
“From our point of view it doesn’t matter how battered and bruised you are.
“The effects of a long season are the last things on your mind because adrenalin will carry you through.”
Horne is desperate to help the Warriors rip off their “nearly-men” tag having made it to the last four play-offs without glory.
He said: “Until we get over the line and win something we will struggle to command the respect we deserve.
“People in England and France will only sit up and take notice if we lift the cup.”
Coach Gregor Townsend stressed he had no problems about the appointment of Irish ref George Clancy.
He said: “My reaction is, ‘It is George – he is excellent, a very good referee’.
“The league officials have picked the best two men for the semis, with Nigel Owens at Munster-Ospreys.”
Townsend has made two changes with Henry Pyrgos recalled at scrum-half and Niko Matawalu switching to the wing for Sean Lamont. Fraser Brown replaces Dougie Hall as hooker.
Doak brings back 10 Test stars including Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar and Rory Best.
UPDATE