Higgins hits form after slow start

John Higgins began what could be an emotional journey to a fourth Crucible title with a hint of early anxiety followed by a masterclass this evening.

The champion of 1998, 2007 and 2009 looked to be carrying tension in his cueing arm in the opening stages of his clash with Stephen Lee, but three centuries after the mid-session interval showed why the Scot is the man they all fear this year.