John Higgins weakness pinpointed as Alan McManus explains changes he's noticed in Wizard of Wishaw

Alan McManus says John Higgins' style at major tournaments has been turned on its head.

The four time world champion eased beyond fellow Scot Graeme Dott 4-0 in the first round of the Welsh Open, putting disappointing results at both the German Masters and Masters behind him with a devastating display. Higgins has exited seven of the 11 snooker ranking events he's entered this season before the third round stage, with a British Open final defeat to Mark Selby his only ranking final since 2022.

However former Masters champion McManus reckons he's noticed a difference in Higgins in his recent outings. Speaking on his Snooker Breakfast podcast he said: "It's funny with John with the journey he’s been on in recent years and this season. Unlike what we’ve been used to with him for the best part of 30 years which is that he gets better as a tournament goes on, noticeably lately he’s looked really good in the early part of tournaments, and is just failing when he gets deep in a tournament.

"He’s still about 15th in the Grand Prix race this season. He’s actually having a decent time of it, he’s just not putting the finishing touches to it at these big events. But it was a good win for John." McManus also added that Dott will need to dig out a few results to keep his place on the tour secure, with the veteran 2006 world champion now ranked just 57th in the world.

He explained: "Graeme is another one who is just about in the tour's survival race, but it's important that he gets a win or two. He's still in the World Open in a few weeks time, a win or two in that would be very welcome before the pressure of the world championship. Where the race for the top 64 will become very clear, Dotty will be back. He's been playing a little