Higgins missed out on a 147 in the last frame of the session

The 1998 champion looked laboured in a dull opening session despite taking a 6-3 lead but resumed with more vigour to make it 7-3 with a break of 50.

Qualifier Holt pulled one back but it was Higgins all the way after that with three more breaks over 50.

The Wizard of Wishaw now faces Irishman Fergal O'Brien in the last 16.

Holt began the match well, making an 82 break on his way to a 2-1 lead, before a 58-minute-long fourth frame went the way of Higgins.

I've got Fergal next and that will be another tough one John Higgins

The former champion slowly played his way into form as he capitalised on Holt's mistakes to go 5-3 ahead.

Higgins had the chance of a 147 in the last frame of the first session, but broke down on 104 - the highest break of the match by some way.

The Scot said luck played a big part in his victory.

"It was a very nervy match - Michael had a lot of chances he should have taken because he was hitting the ball quite nicely at the start," said Higgins.

"I could have been behind going into this last session because I didn't play well at all. I was lucky to be 6-3 up.

He added: "The conditions didn't help, with the table playing very badly. But I am just delighted to win.

"A lot of very good players have already left the tournament. Hopefully, I can try to get some momentum going now. You can't do that if you are back up the road.

"I've got Fergal next and that will be another tough one. He had a great win over Barry Hawkins."