Higgins sets up O'Brien showdown

Leading 6-3 overnight, the 1998 Crucible king stormed to an impressive 10-4 win over Nottingham's Michael Holt.

Higgins, who will face Dubliner Fergal O'Brien in the next round, said: "There's a lot of great players who have already gone out, so it's a good opportunity for me and the rest of the players to try and get a good run going."

He added: "I've not had the best of seasons but I've come here before having a good season and not performed. Hopefully it's the other way round this time."