Weight until you next see Higgins

JOHN HIGGINS hopes that his weight loss can lead to a precious fifth World Championship crown next month.

The 46-year-old world No.6 shed the pounds after “struggling to breathe” last year in Sheffield.

Higgins (above) said: “I’m trying to eat better and keep in shape.

“I want to see how far I can go now I’ve lost a bit of weight. I’d love to see if it’s a benefit with the longer-framed multi-session matches.”

MOTOGP BY ZOE BURN

REIGNING MotoGP champ Fabio Quartararo is optimistic he can deliver a strong title defence this year after a set-up gamble with his Monster Energy Yamaha looked to have paid-off in Indonesia yesterday.

The Frenchman, starting from pole ahead of Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco in today’s race at Mandalika, only finished ninth in the opening round a fortnight ago.

Quartararo said: “I will try to hone it until November.”