Snooker: Higgins out of Masters after death of father

World number one John Higgins has withdrawn from the German Masters in Berlin following the death of his father. John Snr passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer.

"I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the event but I hope the German fans understand my decision as family comes first," Higgins said.

The Scot had booked his place in the last 16 with a 5-3 win over Snooker Shoot-Out runner-up Robert Milkins, including a break of 143.

Chairman Barry Hearn said: "On behalf of World Snooker I send deepest sympathies to the Higgins family at this sad time."

Higgins' opponent in the next round, Marco Fu, will receive a bye following a 5-1 win over Mark King, in which his highest break was 91.