Scots John Higgins and Stephen Maguire both advanced with ease to the second round at the World Snooker Championships.

Former world champion Higgins – who has been selected by Ronnie O’Sullivan as his major rival - eased past Michael Holt 10-5 to set up a clash with 23-year-old Jamie Cope.

And world number two Maguire saw off Jamie Burnett 10-5.

"I was delighted to finally get over the winning line,” said Higgins.

“However, I still feel my game is there to be found and I'll definitely need to find it."

Meanwhile, Macguire insisted he was not distracted by the ongoing police investigation into irregular betting patterns during his match with Burnett at last year’s UK Championship.

“I'm distracted by nothing. I've been practising hard,” he said.

"Practice has gone well and it's paid off in the first match. I played well and scored well. My long-potting was great."