Passport control struggles for Higgins

The Euro-Asia Challenge began with mixed fortunes for John Higgins as the world champion led Europe to victory over Asia just hours after losing his passport.

Higgins captained the European side, which included Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty, to a 5-3 victory in the team event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Hong Kong.

But the Scot’s mind was not fully focussed on snooker after returning from a night out on a tram publicising the event to find his passport had disappeared.

“I think I lost it somewhere between the hotel and the tram,” said Higgins, who beat Mark Selby 18-13 to win a second world title at the Crucible two months ago.

“All I know is that I’ll have to sort something out quick. If no-one finds it, I’ll have to go to the British consulate to have a new one issued.”

Higgins lost both of his frames in the team event, to Hong Kong’s Marco Fu and Ding Junhui of China.

When Thailand’s James Wattana beat Hendry it left the scores tied at 3-3 but Doherty beat another Thai, Supoj Saenla, before O’Sullivan defeated Fu to give Europe the win.

The eight players will contest the individual event, with £25,000 going to the eventual winner on Sunday.