Snooker: Higgins urges O'Sullivan not to quit

John Higgins has urged Ronnie O'Sullivan not to consider retiring from snooker.

The world number two believes quitting the game would be a "stupid" move by O'Sullivan.

Higgins said: "When you are making statements you get the column inches. I think Ronnie has made a few so he deserves the column inches.

"I disagree with him on some things. I don't think he will retire. He would be stupid to do that. It would be a sad loss to the game because he is different class."

Higgins' fellow Scot Stephen Hendry was less impressive as he built a 6-3 lead over world number 77 Mark Davis of Sussex, the scoreline disguising the fact the seven-time former champion produced some loose play.

But assuming Hendry finishes off the job tomorrow the outcome of his second-round clash with emerging star Paul Hunter is another subject on which Higgins disagrees with O'Sullivan.

"I'd bet that Stephen will beat Paul Hunter if he comes through," said Higgins, whereas O'Sullivan was firmly of the opposite view.

"Paul has only won one match here but Stephen has done it all. But then again, I'm not concerning myself with their part of the draw. I have myself to think about."