Homeland ace Yan capable of giving Higgins a scare

Quarter-finals
Eurosport 1, from 6.30am Thursday

John Higgins has made short work of his International Championship opponents this week but a quarter-final showdown with teenage sensation Yan Bingtao should see the Scot severely tested.

Higgins has lost just five frames in ruthlessly dismissing his four victims – he thumped Mark Joyce 6-1 in the last round – and it may take a career-best effort from home hope Yan.

However, delivering such a performance is a distinct possibility for the Chinese teenager given the rate at which he is improving.

Yan showed maturity beyond his 17 years when crushing Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-1 in his opener and 6-4 wins over Ricky Walden and in-form Jack Lisowski suggest he can at least give Higgins a scare.

Recommendation
Y Bingtao +2.5 frames
2pts 4-6 Coral

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