John Higgins set up an all-Scottish clash in the last 16 of the UK Snooker Championship by triumphing on Monday afternoon and believes his game is as strong as it has been for a long time.
The Wishaw potter was in a clinical mood as he compiled six half-century breaks en route to beating two-time World Championship finalist Ali Carter 6-2 in the last 32 at York’s Barbican Centre.
That sets up a clash with Higgins’ long-time friend, Hamilton cueman Jamie Burnett as he looks to stay on track for a fourth UK Championship title.
The 40-year-old struggled for form over the past couple of years but has returned to something resembling his best this season, already winning the Australian Open and International Championship to be full of confidence.
“I’m enjoying it because the last couple of years I was struggling at tournaments and you don’t know what will be happening,” said Higgins.
“I’m very happy with my game and delighted to be through. Playing Jamie in the next round will be a good game – a tartan tussle.
“I’m just happy with the way I’m hitting the ball, so I’m looking forward to it. I beat him the last time we played but he’s looked great this week.
“I want Jamie to win but you don’t like playing the Scottish boys. We’re all mates and it’s tough to play each other.”
Burnett continued his fine run at this year’s tournament by overcoming China’s Li Hang 6-3, having already beaten Sanderson Lam and Alan McManus in York.
The world No.44 made four half-centuries during the victory over Li and is convinced the way he’s scoring in York bodes well.
“I’ve been scoring pretty well and winning frames at nearly one visit quite regularly. As long as I keep doing that, I’ve got a good chance,” said Burnett.
“It was a good game and the scoreline was probably a little unfair because there wasn’t a lot in it.
“I can’t wait for the match against John – you don’t want to play your mates but it’s part of the game.
“Sometimes you think you’ve got him and the next minute you get beaten. The amount of frames he wins from 50 or 60 points behind is incredible but that’s why he’s a four-time world champion – he’s in a different league.
“Hopefully the challenge is something that can spur me on and get a wee bit of hunger back.”
Eurosport is the Home of Snooker, showing all major ranking events including the World Championship, UK Championship the Masters and the exclusive “Ronnie O’Sullivan Show.” Available on Sky, Virgin Media & BT TV or online/mobile via eurosportplayer.com
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