John Higgins leads Mark Williams after first session of Crucible quarter-final

The duo were given a standing ovation when they entered the arena.

John Higgins (right) established an early lead over Mark Williams (left). Pic: Danny Lawson/PA

John Higgins established a slender 5-3 advantage over Mark Williams at the end of the opening session of their World Snooker Championship quarter-final at the Crucible.

The duo – two members of the sport’s famous ‘Class of ’92’ along with Ronnie O’Sullivan – were given a standing ovation when they entered the arena, and it was the 49-year-old Scot who shaded the opening exchanges.