Snooker: Pair overcome back trouble in Thailand

Jimmy White and John Higgins both struggled with back problems, cueing gingerly on the way to first-round victories at the Thailand Masters.

White, who "fell down like a sack of potatoes" after a weekend of sea-fishing off the Thai resort of Pattaya, produced some vintage potting in the second half of his 5-2 win over Stuart Bingham.

And Higgins, who "tweaked" his fragile back jumping into the hotel swimming pool, returned to top form during his 5-1 hammering of Michael Holt.

Higgins, who said he was disgusted with his form after losing 6-2 to Mark Williams in the semi-finals of the China Open, was a man on a mission as he powered past Holt with breaks of 82, 66, 106 and a 138 total clearance.

He now faces Joe Swail, who whitewashed Marco Fu 5-0, while defending champion Ken Doherty takes on Dave Harold, who was successful in three black ball frames and another decided by a re-spotted black during a flattering 5-1 win over Steve Davis.

Doherty recovered from 3-0 down to beat Joe Perry 5-3.

So far, only one top 16 player has been eliminated - world number 14 Graeme Dott, beaten 5-1 Quinten Hann.