Snooker: Leslie is beaten but far from bowed after his television debut against star Higgins

Bonnyrigg snooker professional Michael Leslie gave John Higgins a scare yesterday before losing out 4-2 in the opening round of the Arcaden Paul Hunter Classic in Furth, Germany.

Leslie, making his television debut with the match televised on Eurosport, started slowly as Higgins won the opening frame with the help of a 51 break. Leslie started the second frame well potting three red and blacks but appeared to get a kick on the next red allowing Higgins to respond with a 49 break. Leslie got back in with a 21 but a missed red into the middle allowed Higgins to clear with a 34 to take a two-frame lead.

The Bonnyrigg cueman appeared unnerved by going two frames down, getting into his stride to win the next two frames. Leslie made a string of excellent pots with visits of 21 and 26 being enough to win the third frame and breaks of 42 and 32 secured the fourth frame to level the match at 2-2.

In a decisive fifth frame, Leslie edged himself in front early in the frame but a missed chance let Higgins back in as he cleared with a break of 59. That was to be Leslie’s last chance as Higgins took control. of the sixth frame with runs of 21 and 71 for a 4-2 victory. Leslie summed up his television 
debut against Higgins: “I was so nervous to begin with but I felt good once I got settled. It was a brilliant experience. The arena and the German fans were amazing!”