Higgo’s been hit for six

JOHN HIGGINS got off to a winning start at the Shanghai Masters but admits he’s still struggling with confidence after his thrashing by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The four-time world champion comfortably beat Ian Preece 5-1 with his runs of 76, 69 and 61 in the first round yesterday.

Higgins faces Zhou Yuelong for a place in the last 16 today but is at a low ebb after his disappointing 6-0 whitewash to O’Sullivan in last week’s Champion of Champions clash.

He said: “I’m not too confident at the moment. Losing 6-0 to Ronnie knocked the stuffing out of me. I’m trying to win a couple of matches here and build the confidence back up.”

Alan McManus fought back from 4-3 behind to beat Dominic Dale 5-4 in a battle of two veterans.

He faces Mark Selby today after the world No.1’s battling 5-4 defeat of Chris Wakelin.

Graeme Dott takes on Robbie Williams after his opening-day win on Monday.