O'Sullivan pays tribute to Higgins

Three-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan described Alex Higgins as his "inspiration" following the death of the Northern Irishman at the age of 61 after a long battle with throat cancer.

O'Sullivan was moved to pursue a career in the sport after witnessing Higgins' flamboyant style and quickfire approach, which secured the player known as "the Hurricane" two world titles.

"Alex Higgins was one of the real inspirations behind me getting into snooker in the first place," the 34-year-old O'Sullivan told the Sunday Telegraph.

"He is a legend of snooker, and should forever be remembered as the finest ever snooker player."