John Higgins and Mark Allen to lock horns in German Masters last 16

Higgins beat China’s Zhou Yuelong 5-3 helped by composed breaks of 89 and 97.

“I am trying to work out what I did earlier on in my career,” said four-time world champion Higgins, the winner of 31 ranking titles but without a piece of silverware in nearly three years.

“I think the word is that I was maybe more stubborn. I’m trying to get back to that and give myself a chance of winning.

“I can be too honest sometimes and tell people how I’m feeling.

“You can’t afford to in this game. You have to be totally focused on your own game and not give an inch out there.”

Allen grinded his way to a 5-2 win over Joe O’Connor, the first four frames taking nearly two hours to complete.

When play resumed after the mid-session break, Allen found his form and took three on the bounce to secure victory.

Judd Trump overpowered Matthew Selt 5-2 with breaks of 66, 97, 118 and 73 underlining his excellent form.

Defending champion Ali Carter beat China’s Pang Junxu 5-2 and will next face Zak Surety.

Surety reached the last 16 of a ranking event for the first time after defeating Elliot Slessor 5-2.

Belgium’s Julian Leclercq swept aside former Welsh Open champion Jordan Brown 5-1.

In the morning session, Kyren Wilson blitzed fellow Englishman Ben Woollaston 5-1 with breaks of 96, 129, 53 and 67.

Mark Davis also beat Barry Hawkins 5-1 and there were also third-round wins for David Lilley, Mark Allen and Ryan Day, who beat current Welsh Open champion Robert Milkins 5-1.

READ MORE: 2023/24 Snooker Calendar: Every major televised tournament, dates, results and where to watch