John Higgins put on a sublime display to ease past Lyu Haotian 5-0 in their heldover first round tie at the Evergrande China Championship in Guangzhou.

The Wizard of Wishaw claimed last year’s title in spectacular fashion. He made three consecutive centuries from 7-7 to defeat Stuart Bingham 10-7 in the final. Higgins got his 2017 China Championship campaign off to an equally impressive start today.

The four-time World Champion looked a class above his 19-year-old opponent, taking just under an hour to complete his quick-fire win. There were breaks of 72, 129, 63, 69 and 62 for Higgins.

World Champion Mark Selby came through his opening tie with wildcard Luo Honghao 5-1.

The world number one was competing in his first ranking match this campaign having missed the start of the season through a toe injury.  He closed out the match in style, making a break of 76 to seal victory.

Shaun Murphy came from 4-3 down to edge past an in form Ken Doherty 5-4.

The Magician had led 3-1, but three frames on the bounce from the Irishman turned the match on it’s head. Doherty reached the semi-final stage of the Riga Masters in June and was again on the verge of a great result. 2005 World Champion Murphy had other ideas and he claimed two frames on the bounce to progress.