Snooker: Higgins on course for first title

JOHN HIGGINS is two victories away from his first ranking tournament success after thrashing Ronnie O'Sullivan 5-0 in the Skoda Grand Prix in Derby yesterday.

The 19-year-old Scotsman took only 73 minutes to beat the UK and British Open champion who had boasted after his third-round win over Ken Doherty that no one was likely to stop him winning the pounds 60,000 first prize.

'He's cueing so well I think he can win the tournament,' O'Sullivan said after only the fourth whitewash of his career. 'Losing 5-0 is embarrassing and I do not feel very pleased with myself, but getting beaten is not always a bad thing as it can make you come back stronger than ever.'

Higgins, the world No 51, was knocked out of the Dubai Classic by O'Sullivan earlier this month, but now looks a different prospect after breaking from the Team Sweater Shop management stable.

After two scrappy opening frames, Higgins found his touch. He made a break of 84 to take the third frame and then, crucially, cleared with a 59 in the fourth with O'Sullivan poised to open his account.

But a poor safety shot let him down and Higgins took full advantage.

After the mid-session break, he had a run of 74 to seal his victory in just 10 minutes more play.