Defending champion John Higgins is convinced he is in a perfect position to retain his Glasgow Grand Prix title – despite suffering from a severe bout of nerves.

The 34-year-old breezed past qualifier Mark Joyce 5-1 on Saturday to book his place in the last 16 at Kelvin Hall.

But while the three-time world champion may have looked calm on the surface underneath was a very different story.

He said: “I was really nervous before the start of the tournament – don’t know whether it’s being at home that makes the difference.

“I was at home and I was snapping my wife Denise’s head off over things that would normally be fine.

“But I’m feeling really good now and everything is in front of me – I’ve got no worries about technique so it’s great to be in this position.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Jamie Burnett faces the unenviable task of beginning his challenge against world No.1 Ronnie O’Sullivan while world No.2 Stephen Maguire will begin with a clash against veteran Nigel Bond.