Scotland's Higgins had been 5-6 down at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, but was able to grind out a 10-7 triumph.

The Thai player has still never got past round one at the World Championship.

England's Kyren Wilson joins Higgins in round two, having emerged victorious from a meeting of two former finalists.

Wilson beat China's Ding Junhui 10-8, despite making two centuries to Ding's three.

Jack Lisowski was the other player to advance today, like compatriot Wilson a 10-8 victor, this time over Wales' Matthew Stevens.

Australia's Neil Robertson, the pre-tournament favourite and a past champion, awaits Lisowski.

Wilson is set to face 2015 champion Stuart Bingham in an all-English encounter.

Higgins could face another Thai player next, with Noppon Saengkham 6-3 up against Belgian Luca Brecel overnight.