Alex Higgins will not be making his eagerly anticipated comeback at the Benson & Hedges masters next week. The twice former World Champion has not played competitive snooker for six years and was due to take on Lee Spick in Mansfield next Wednesday. However he has now informed snooker's governing body that he will not make the match.
Higgins' solicitor has confirmed the Belfast-born professional is officially withdrawing - it is thought because of his need to undergo extensive dental treatment. However, Higgins is still optimistic he can compete at next month's Embassy World Championship qualifiers at the Manhattan's Snooker Club in Harrogate.
Tickets for next week's game had sold out within hours of them being made available and Spick now receives a by into round three.
Filed by Johnny Proby
