John Higgins, normally the most easy-going of competitors, angrily discharged his frustration with some unduly springy cushion bounces during the middle session of his second round match against Ryan Day, the new Welsh No1, in the world championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

From 6-3 up, the defending champion fell 7-6 behind but starts this morning's final session at 8-8. Leading 6-4, 43-0, Higgins angrily smashed his hand on to the cushion rail when an excessive rebound left him out of position and lost the frame to Day's 82.

Still smouldering with frustration, he also made several mistakes in the next frame and expressed his displeasure by forcefully throwing the cue ball up and down the table when he conceded for 6-6.