Higgins loses 'inspirational' father after cancer battle

THREE-times world snooker champion John Higgins has lost his father to cancer after a long fight.

Higgins, from Wishaw, flew back to Scotland from the German Masters in Berlin after hearing his father's health had deteriorated, but heard that his father had died while he was en route.

The snooker star, who returned to the game in November after serving a six-month ban, has said his father, who has been battling cancer for six years, has been an inspiration to him in "the hardest six months I ever had to go through".

He said: "I am very sorry to withdraw from the event, but I hope the German fans will understand my decision as my family comes first."

John Higgins snr travelled with his son for most of his tournaments since he turned professional in 1992. And he stood by his son after he was hit by match-fixing allegations following a sting operation by the News of the World.

When he won the UK Championship trophy in December, John Higgins jnr dedicated his comeback success to his father - saying: "He's been a big part for me, coming here to tournaments, but he's been here with me this week as well (in spirit]."