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Snooker

The World Professional Billiards and Association Disciplinary hearing which could activate a 12-month ban on Alex Higgins has been adjourned until 5 September. The case arises from Higgins's alleged verbal abuse of two referees, Alan Chamberlain and Laurie Annandale, during qualifying competitions at Blackpool last January. Until then the twice world champion, now ranked 99th in the world, will be able to compete in qualifying competitions for next season's world ranking events, his first match is at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, tomorrow.