Snooker: Higgins poised for 'anxious' return to tournament circuit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.World number four John Higgins is set to return from his six-month ban today to compete in the Euro Players Tour Championship in Hamm, Germany.
The three-time world champion will face Joe Jogia in the first round. Higgins, 35, was cleared of match-fixing in September but fined £75,000 after admitting breaching rules over betting after an investigation into allegations of frame-throwing made by the News of the World.
The Scot's suspension began when the allegations surfaced in May, but now he is poised to play for the first time since the World Championship, where he suffered a shock defeat by Steve Davis in the second round.
It was in the following week that the fateful meeting involving Higgins, his manager Pat Mooney and undercover reporters took place in a hotel room in Kiev. The allegations were then published on the first day of the World Championship final.
Higgins admits he is anxious as to what kind of reception he will receive from other players in Germany, describing the prospect as "like going to the dentist" and acknowledging the stigma may always live with him.
Davis believes it will take time for Higgins to be accepted by his rivals, although world champion Neil Robertson has said he will be welcoming Higgins back.
Higgins will return to action in Great Britain when he competes at the UK Championship from 4 to 12 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments