JOHN HIGGINS claims that Jamie Cope and Mark Allen have emerged as the future of snooker.

Higgins, from Wishaw, was delighted to show he is still a major player in the sport after sealing a 13-12 victory over Cope to reach the World Championship quarter-finals in Sheffield Today the Scot takes on a last-eight clash against Mark Selby, the 25-year-old who beat another Scot, Graeme Dott.

Higgins considers the title to be up for grabs and is enjoying watching the new talent emerging. He said: "I knew he wouldn't bottle it. He's not that kind of player.

"I was just lucky that he didn't really get a clear-cut chance to win the match."

A disappointed Cope said: "I think John played close to his best, which made it good to be 12-10 up. I hope John goes on to win it. I'd definitely put him favourite."

SPEEDWAY: The A-Plant Glasgow Tigers have signed Lee Smart to replace the injured Anders Andersen.

The Dane was involved in a crash in Denmark at the weekend which has resulted in a broken leg.

The length of absence is unknown at the moment but is set to be considerable, so the Tigers have a void to fill in the side in the meantime.

Smart, who rode last season for Birmingham, is desperate to ride in the Premier League again as is delighted to have this chance.

Initially the deal is for 28 days and it will be reviewed after that. Smart will make his debut for the Tigers a Sheffield on Thursday and his home debut on Sunday, also against the Tigers of Sheffield. Co-Promoter Alan Dick said: "Lee fits the bill very well as he is hungry to succeed."

GOLF: The HSBC Champions tournament will become part of the elite World Golf series with an increased prize fund of $7m.