John Higgins chokes back tears live on air and consoled by BBC snooker host

John Higgins struggled to hold back the tears live on the BBC as he discussed his father-in-law's heart attack last week. The Scot defeated Joe O'Connor 10-7 in a much-improved second session, though there was doubt whether he would turn up at the Crucible at all.

Higgins missed media day on Thursday and the annual pre-tournament traditions such as the Champions Dinner and Green Carpet Ceremony. While the sport's top players travelled to Sheffield, Higgins remained in Scotland by his wife Denise's side during a worrying time for their family.

The four-time world champion did travel down but endured a slow start against O'Connor, despite ending at the mid-way stage down just 5-4. A barnstorming second session, however, set up a last-16 tie with Xiao Guodong.

"That was a tough game," Higgins said. "I thought Joe played great in the first session and I just managed to scramble out at 5-4. Tonight I played better."

He then choked back and cried live on air before being consoled by Beeb host Seema Jaswal, who gave him a big hug.

Higgins said: "That was the most emotional I have ever been today. I left my wife and I was in tears. Obviously my father-in-law wasn't great. I was sitting having dinner with my boy last night and I was thinking about sitting here with my dad 25 years ago. I was drained today.

"I had a couple of hours sleep and I came out tonight and felt a lot better and played a lot better. I am still so proud that I am still playing at a good level at this age."

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