John Higgins gives take on Ronnie O'Sullivan's radical plan to save snooker in Britain

Legend John Higgins has backed Ronnie O'Sullivan's radical blueprint to save snooker in Britain. The Rocket, 49, has revealed he wants to launch academies in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to try and stop the impending Chinese takeover of the sport.

The seven-time world champion would be the face of the one in England and suggested fellow Class of 92 greats Higgins and Mark Williams could front the ones in Scotland and Wales respectively. Four-time champion Higgins locks horns with three-time winner Williams in the clash of the quarter-finals tomorrow.

And the world No.3 said: "It's a brilliant idea. I would love it if Scotland could invest in something like that. Snooker's been an unbelievable sport for Scotland with Stephen Hendry starting the revolution and a lot of us following his lead.

"I would be up for anything like that. If Sport Scotland were up for investing in something like that then I would definitely love to be involved. It would be incredible if that could lead to players coming through from Scotland."

Battling Higgins came through a titanic ten-hour tussle to beat Xiao Guodong 13-12 - his ninth win in ten Crucible deciders - two set up another Williams showdown.

And he admitted: "I actually felt more pressure in the frame before. I was just thinking 'what's the worst that can happen? I've had a good season and worst things have happened in your life'."