John Higgins inspired by Mark Allen comeback heroics ahead of Zhao Xintong clash at British Open - 'I should have gone out in the first round'

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John Higgins will face world champion Zhao Xintong in the last 32 of the British Open on Wednesday night after completing a 4-3 win over Jack Lisowski in the second round on Tuesday. Higgins was forced to twice fight back from 2-0 and 3-2 down before sealing his progress with a 132 break in the final frame. The 'Wizard of Wishaw' hopes to improve when he faces Zhao in a blockbuster clash.

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John Higgins produced a closing 132 break to complete a 4-3 win over Jack Lisowski in the British Open second round, but concedes he will have to improve to overcome Zhao Xintong in the third round.

Higgins was paired with world champion Zhao in the open draw in the last 32 at the Centaur in Cheltenham after recovering from 2-0 and 3-2 behind to edge out six-time ranking event runner-up Lisowski.

The four-time Crucible winner admits he will take inspiration from Mark Allen's win at the English Open last week.

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Allen's triumph saw him win five final-frame deciders after trailing in four matches, including a 9-8 victory over Zhou Yuelong in the final on Sunday, to lift the Steve Davis Trophy in Brentwood.

World No. 6 Higgins is chasing a record fifth British Open title after claiming the trophy in 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004.

"The century in the last frame was my only real highlight of the match," said Higgins, who fought back from 3-1 down to defeat Mark Davis in the first round.

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"I brought Jack down to my level because he was timing the ball well, but then he must have seen all the balls I was missing and it played havoc with his head.

"I am so lucky to still be in the tournament, I really need to improve.

"Jack looked amazing when he went 3-2 up, but then he missed a few in frame six.

"I know I have not put the effort into practice, and you get what you deserve - I should have gone out in the first round. But the last frame today did give me some confidence.

"Last week, Mark Allen was behind in so many matches and ended up winning it so it can happen. My fighting qualities are still there."

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