CLACTON professional Alex Davies was unable to halt the progress of former world champion John Higgins, at snooker’s Haikou World Open.

The 26-year-old lost 5-1 in today’s first-round contest in Haikou, on Hainan Island.

Davies fell behind but made it 1-1, after winning the second frame 65-39.

However, Higgins proved too strong thereafter and made one break of 122.

Colchester-born Ali Carter plays his first-round match tomorrow, against Dave Gilbert.

The Haikou World Open is this season’s ninth ranking event and runs until Sunday.