Snooker: Higgins to return ranked at No 3

John Higgins will make his next appearance in front of British snooker fans at December's UK Championship ranked at No 3 in the world.

Higgins will complete a six-month suspension for "intentionally giving the impression to others that he was agreeing to act in breach of the betting rules" early next month, in time for Euro Players Tour events in Germany and the Czech Republic.

The updated top 16 was released yesterday, with the players on the list guaranteed places in the final stages of both the Telford event and the Masters at Wembley Arena from 9 to 16 January.

The world champion, Neil Robertson, moved up to No 1 after last month adding the World Open to his Crucible crown, while Ali Carter is at No 2.