China out of Higgy hands as Pete wins

Friday 30 March 2012

China out of Higgy hands as Pete wins

World snooker champion John Higgins suffered a second-round exit to Peter Ebdon at the China Open.

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By REX SYMONS

Higgins looked on course to progress when he led 3-1, but Ebdon battled back gamely to sneak through 5-4 in a closely-fought final frame.

The Englishman will meet Neil Robertson in the last eight after the Australian brushed aside seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry 5-3.

Another Scot, Stephen Maguire, edged out Ricky Walden 5-4, but Graeme Dott lost 5-3 to Stephen Lee.

Ronnie O'Sullivan secured a comfortable passage as he defeated Mark Williams 5-1, while Judd Trump beat Stuart Bingham 5-3.

However, world No.1 Mark Selby withdrew from the tournament with a neck injury.

"I'm absolutely gutted to have to pull out and to let down the Chinese fans as I was really looking forward to playing Ding (Junhui)," Selby said.

Ding will next meet Ali Carter after he defeated Lu Ning 5-1.

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