ONE-BY-ONE they stepped forward for their moment of glory - and one-by-one they were shot down by John Higgins.

The World No 3 delivered a master-class of potting and close cue-ball control to over 100 fans packed into Chandler's Ford Snooker Club.

Nine top players from south Hampshire forked out £200 each for a package which included a frame against the reigning Masters champion.

And one didn't even know he was playing until just over an hour before the start!

But Higgins dashed their hopes with nine breaks over 50, including three centuries, in just ten exhibition frames.

EASB referee Steve Hildyard called former Daily Echo champion Dave Mumford up first.

Mumford knocked in a 21 but Higgins fired in a frame-winning 84.

Mark McLean (North Baddesley), sponsored by Vadnor Windows for two frames, lost to breaks of 77 and 104.

Brothers Dan, 15, and Jason Hildyard (Fair Oak) were on the receiving end of runs of 86 and 73.

Ten-year-old Jordan Winbourne (Hedge End) was the only player to restrict Higgins to breaks of less than 50 but the 31-year-old Scot still won with contributions of 33 and 42.

A second century of 101 saw off 18-year-old Arron McIntyre (Hiltingbury) and a third of 102 beat Matt Woods, 15, who scored a fine 21.

Alex Dunkley (Bursledon) cleared the last four colours for a 22 but Higgins had already clinched the frame with a 53.

Mike Finn, who works for Vadnor Windows, received a phone call at 12.45pm from his boss Rob McLean telling to take the rest of the day off.

McLean told the shocked former England international to put on his three-lions waistcoat and get his cue: he was playing Higgins in two hours!

Finn chalked up 25 points, the best of all the challengers, but Higgins replied with a frame-winning 83.

The afternoon finished with a charity line-up (where all 15 reds are lined-up' down the centre of the table) - but Higgins insisted on FIVE between black and cushion.

The 1998 World Champion's day had started at 4.30 am in Scotland, but he still managed a 147 maximum.

Club owner Jim Everett donated a cue and case to the winning raffle ticket holder. The £175 raised went to the British Institute for Brain Injured Children, of which Higgins is Vice President.