Higgins withdraws after win
World number one John Higgins has pulled out of the German Masters in Berlin after the death of his father.
Last Updated: 04/02/11 7:30pm
World number one John Higgins has pulled out of the German Masters in Berlin after the death of his father.
The three-time world champion had secured a place in the last 16 after a 5-3 win against Robert Milkins, which included a break of 143.
But after his father John senior passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer, Higgins has decided to withdraw from the tournament.
"I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the event but I hope the German fans understand my decision as family comes first," he said.
World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn added: "On behalf of World Snooker I send deepest sympathies to the Higgins family at this sad time."
Higgins' scheduled opponent Marco Fu will receive a bye in the next round after he secured a 5-1 win against Mark King.
