Snooker: John Higgins fires back in Joe Johnson TV row

(PA)

Four-time world champion John Higgins launched a stinging attack on Joe Johnson and snooker's players-turned-commentators after his UK Championship 6-2 win over Jamie Burnett in York.

Higgins has struggled for form this season and, going into his bid for a fourth UK title, changed his cue for the second time this season. That prompted an accusation from 1986 world champion Johnson that the Scot was "searching for something that is not there" and "looking for someone or something to blame".

"I heard before the tournament Joe Johnson was slating me. If that guy isn't the worst commentator in the world, he's in the top three," Higgins said

"How he ever got to be world champion, and he can say some of the shots that he does say..."