Higgins' father dies

Higgins withdrew from the tournament after hearing that his father's condition had deteriorated before passing away as the three-times world champion flew home to Scotland.

The UK champion had earlier completed a 5-3 win over Robert Milkins in the last 32 of the tournament at the city's 2,500-capacity Tempodrom.

"I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the event, but I hope the German fans understand my decision as family comes first," said Higgins.

Higgins Sr had supported his son at tournaments on the circuit for nearly 20 years, but had fought cancer for six years.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: "On behalf of World Snooker, I send deepest sympathies to the Higgins family at this sad time."

Higgins's friend and fellow Scot Graeme Dott struggled to keep his mind on his match against Anthony Hamilton, a second round match he won 5-2.

"It's terribly sad for the whole Higgins family and I'm thinking of them now," said Dott. "John Sr was a great guy to have around the tournaments and he was always there at The Crucible with a whisky in hand - he's going to be sorely missed."

Dott will face his fellow Scot Stephen Maguire in the quarter-finals after the former UK champion overcame Ricky Walden 5-0.

Maguire was quick to send his condolences to his compatriot after his victory.

"It's really terrible news for John and his family - I sent him a message but there's not a lot you can say, it just puts everything into perspective," said Maguire. "John Sr. was a great character to have around the place at big events and he'll be sorely missed."

Higgins had dedicated his success in winning the UK Championship in December, the 22nd trophy of a golden career, to his ill dad.

He returned from a six-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute after being cleared of allegations made by a tabloid newspaper of throwing frames to win the UK title, the sport's second biggest ranking event.