Alex Higgins delays his snooker comeback

Alex Higgins, 53, will not be making his comeback in the Benson and Hedges Snooker Championship next week.

Higgins was due to play his first competitive match for more than five years against Lee Spick at the Towers Snooker Club in Mansfield on Wednesday.

But 'The Hurricane' announced he was withdrawing from the event, which offers the winner a wild-card entry to the Benson and Hedges Masters at Wembley Conference Centre in February.

It is believed Higgins has been forced to put his comeback on hold while he undergoes extensive dental treatment. The twice former world champion's next playing opportunity will be the qualifiers for the 2003 Embassy World Championship at the Manhattan Snooker Club in Harrogate at the end of next month, for which he has already paid his £200 entry fee.

Tony Drago plays in Round Three on Friday. His opponent is still unnamed.