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Higgins, Carter make last 16 in snooker worlds

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-04-27 15:03

Fifth seed John Higgins and Ali Carter made the last 16 of the snooker world championship with an identical 10-4 win over Michael Holt and Andy Hicks respectively at The Crucible in Sheffield on Thursday.

Higgins, who won the title in 1998, struggled to find his form in the opening session but qualifier Holt failed to take advantage.

"It's terrible to say so, but he does have a reputation for giving up and luckily for me he did it again," Higgins said.

Carter compiled two century breaks and two half-centuries on his way to beating qualifier Hicks.

"Andy's a good player and I'm just pleased to get through to the last 16," said Carter.

Carter will face seven-times champion Stephen Hendry in the second round.

"It's nice to be playing the master," added Carter. "Stephen Hendry is the best and I'm playing him in the last 16 of the world championship so I can't ask for much more."

In other matches, Shaun Murphy, winner of the tournament two years ago, went 5-3 up against veteran John Parrott in the opening second round match.

The day's other second round tie saw Anthony Hamilton and Ian McCulloch tied at 4-4 at the end of the opening session.