Snooker legend Higgins beaten by 16-year-old

Former World Snooker champion Alex Higgins made a miserable return to competitive action today when he lost 5-1 to a local 16…

Former World Snooker champion Alex Higgins made a miserable return to competitive action today when he lost 5-1 to a local 16-year-old in the Irish Open in Derry.

Higgins had not played a tournament since 1997 and last year entered but subsequently withdrew from the Benson & Hedges Championship and World Championship qualifying events.

Opponent Darren Dorrian's highest break weighed in at a mere 56 but that nevertheless eclipsed the dismal high of Higgins - a 23 break in the third frame.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Fergal O'Brien hammered Simon Cook 5-0 while Northern Ireland's Joe Swail comfortable beat Robert Murphy 5-1.