Yahoo Finance Higgins hoping Carter does not channel his inner Denmark
John Higgins has got images of John Jensen lashing home the winner at Euro 92 as he set up a quarter-final Masters clash against Ali Carter.
A dominant 6-1 win over Barry Hawkins saw the Wizard of Wishaw stay on track for what would be a first title in the tournament since 2006.
But after Carter’s late call-up to the Alexandra Palace table - following the withdrawal of Ronnie O’Sullivan - Higgins was quick to make a historical sporting comparison.
“You have to tighten up because Ali was hitting the ball really well against Mark Selby,” he said.
“And I think someone like Ali is like Denmark when they got the late call-up for the Euros!
“He’s got a late call-up and is on a free-roll in a way, so that can make him very dangerous.
“He’s already accounted for one of the best players in the world in Mark Selby, and will be fancying he can win it as well.”
The four-time World Champion started the contest in fine fettle, opening up a 4-0 lead by the mid-session interval as a whitewash was mooted.
And though Hawkins was able to get a frame on the board, Higgins soon wrapped things up - but was, remarkably, not totally satisfied with his display.
“It was okay. I missed a lot, but I think that half of that was down to seeing Barry really struggling,” he continued.
“We’ve all been there and I think Barry just wanted to get out of the place at the end there. I’ve been there many times.
“It’s one of those arenas if you start off okay it’s okay, but if you’re under pressure right away and you’re not enjoying being out there, it’s torture. I think that was just one of those days for Barry.”
Watch the London Masters LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White and Neal Foulds.
