John Higgins

Snooker: MARCH 27th: John Higgins went about his work like a surgeon. The 24-yearold Scot, more out of form than in form this season, took possession of the table at the Benson and Hedges Irish Masters at Goffs, Kill, Co Kildare yesterday.

Higgins sets up Hendry clash
MARCH 25th: John Higgins ensured that today's Benson & Hedges Irish Masters final would be an all-Scottish affair for the first time by beating Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-3 at Goffs.

Rocket ready for Higgins challenge
MARCH 25th: Ronnie O’Sullivan speaks to Sports Extra prior to this evening’s Irish Masters semi-final against world number one John Higgins.

Hendry cruises into final

Stephen Hendry (© Allsport)

Snooker: MARCH 25th: Stephen Hendry produced a volley of big breaks but could not add to his century tally as he trounced John Parrott 6-1 to reach the final. I got stronger as the match went on," Hendry said.

Higgins wizardy conjures a 147
MARCH 25th: Occasionally they live up to their nicknames. The "Wizard of Wishaw" certainly did last night.

O'Sullivan wants trophy back

Ronnie O'Sullivan (© Allsport)

MARCH 24th: Ronnie O'Sullivan, stripped of the Benson & Hedges Irish Masters title two years ago after failing a drugs test, reached the semi-finals of the event in County Kildare with a 6-4 defeat of Matthew Stevens.

Hendry sees off fellow Scot
MARCH 23rd: Stephen Hendry made a winning start to his bid for a fourth Benson and Hedges Irish Masters title by defeating Alan McManus 6-2 at Goffs in County Kildare.

Doherty falls at the first hurdle
MARCH 23rd: Matthew Stevens dealt out heartbreak to Ken Doherty for the second time in six weeks by knocking the Dubliner out of his home tournament at Goffs, County Kildare last night.

Whirlwind gets the better of Lee

Jimmy White (© Allsport)

MARCH 22nd: Jimmy White was flying back to Britain tonight despite producing an inspired comeback to reach the quarter-finals of the Benson & Hedges Irish Masters at Goffs in County Kildare.

O'Brien rues early exit
MARCH 21st: Six years ago when Alan McManus finally ended Fergal O'Brien's highly popular surprise run in his first Benson and Hedges Irish Masters the young Dubliner didn't have too much difficulty afterwards putting on a brave face.

Irish duo face intense competition
MARCH 21st: In A casual mingling in the K Club three weeks ago, Scotland's multiple World Champion Stephen Hendry, Ireland's Fergal O'Brien and England's Steve Davis roamed around the restaraunt, their guard more down than usual.

Higgins hoping for change of form

John Higgins (© Allsport)

MARCH 20th: With the World Championship looming large on the horizon, John Higgins will be looking to this week's Benson and Hedges Irish Masters to breathe life into his ailing season.