Moscow Snooker Club

JOHN HIGGINS  enjoyed lunch  at Portugese football legend Rui Costa's Lisbon restaurant - and promised a feast of snooker when the FSTC Sports Management World Series Grand Final comes to  the Algarve.
On Thursday, twice world champion Higgins was at Buckingam Palace  with wife Denise and family  to receive his MBE from Princess Anne, describing the award as a "great honour".
 In a whirlwind week, he then flew out  to  Portugal on Friday  to promote the  FSTC showcase which is being held in Portimao from May 8-10.
 Higgins, who will be joined in action by fellow Scots, Graeme Dott and Stephen Maguire along with six-times world champion Steve Davis, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Ken Doherty , said: " The Algarve is renowned for golf but we are aiming to put snooker on the map there as well.
 "It's a fantastic tournament and we all want to get our name on the trophy as the first winner of the event. I'm sure the fans can look forward to some brilliant snooker."
FSTC Sports Management chief executive Pat Mooney said : "This is what it's all about, taking snooker to different countries and the players are thrilled to be given the chance to play in such a prestigious event in Portugal."
The event , which will be shown live on Eurosport, is sponsored by the Portugese Tourist Board and the City of Portimao.
With interest in the tournament already sky high in the sunshine coast, Mooney and Higgins - who have put it all together -
 have every reason to feel pleased with themselves.
"It's all going exceptionally well," said Mooney. " To be honest, it has been a hell of a lot of work - but as we get ready for the Grand Final in the stunning surroundings of Portimao, it's  worth while. I'm quite quite proud of what we have done."

www.worldseriesofsnooker.org.uk