By DANIEL DAVIS

John Higgins’ World Championship bid may be in doubt after a family emergency.

Higgins, a four-time world champion, dropped out of the inaugural Champions’ Dinner on Thursday night after his wife’s father suffered a heart attack. 

The 49-year-old had accepted an invitation to the event, hosted by last year’s champion Kyren Wilson and attended by the likes of Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis, but pulled out after Denise’s dad was rushed to hospital.

The Wizard of Wishaw was subsequently absent from yesterday’s Green Carpet ceremony and the pre-event media day after deciding to remain in Scotland.

Higgins ranks among the favourites to lift the coveted trophy this year and has won two of the three tournaments leading up to the showpiece at the Crucible.

He would become the oldest world champion in history if he were to compete and add to his tally – and was set to kick off against Joe O’Connor on Monday.

More to follow. 

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John Higgins could DROP OUT of World Championship following family emergency in major blow on the eve of Crucible showpiece

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