Higgins races into comfortable lead

JOHN HIGGINS swept into a 6-2 lead over struggling Mark Allen as the pair began their battle for a place in the final of the World Championships.

The 33-year-old Scot dominated the first of the four sessions, making a break of 114 in the sixth frame on his way to gaining a comfortable overnight lead.

Higgins won the final three frames of the session as shock semi-finalist Allen struggled with almost every aspect of his game.