Snooker: 'Upset' Higgins may be disciplined

Former world champion John Higgins could face disciplinary action for failing to attend his after-match press conference following a 6-5 defeat by fellow Scot Alan McManus at the Benson and Hedges Masters.

He was said to be too upset to face the media, while McManus was relieved to have reached the quarter-finals in the tournament where he made his breakthrough back in 1994.

‘‘It’s supposed to finish next year and if it does it will be a crying shame,’’ said the world number 12 from Glasgow.

‘‘It’s nice to win when you are not full of confidence,’’ added McManus, who faces Fergal O’Brien or Ken Doherty for a place in the semi-finals.

O’Brien rallied from 5-2 down to defeat golden oldie Steve Davis 6-5 while defending champion Paul Hunter fought back from 3-2 in arrears to knockout LG Cup champion Stephen Lee 6-3.