Hurricane beaten on return

Alex Higgins was beaten 5-2 by Garry Hardiman on his professional comeback in the Irish Professional Championship in Dublin earlier this week.

Higgins, 56, had not played in a major event for eight years and failed to find the form which saw him capture the world title in 1972 and 1982.

At the Spawell Club, the Hurricane won the fourth frame to make it 2-2 but Hardiman then won three frames to deny Higgins any further progress. Higgins, a four times winner of the Irish event, which has been revived after 12 years, was given a wildcard by tournament organisers.