Four-time world champion John Higgins racked up back-to-back centuries to launch the defense of his Shanghai Masters title with a 5-1 victory over fellow Briton Mike Dunn at Shanghai Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The Scotsman, who won this tournament a year ago when he came from 7-2 down to beat Judd Trump 10-9 in the final, encountered few problems in sweeping aside Dunn in the first round.

He made back-to-back centuries, 100 and 107, to go 4-1 ahead, then dominated the sixth frame to clinch victory.

"I'm very happy to win," said Higgins, who now faces Mark Davis or Ali Carter in the last 16. "I haven't had much practice in the past week because I've been doing some sponsorship work."

The former world number one has made a strong start to the current season, winning the European Tour event in Bulgaria and reaching the final of the Wuxi Classic.

"I've had a decent start to the season and we're moving into the most important part of the year now with a lot of big tournaments coming up, so hopefully I can get some form going."

In the wild card round, Ryan Day saw off Lu Ning 5-1 with a top break of 88.

The other two British players in action were pushed all the way by their Chinese opponents.

David Gilbert edged out Fang Xiongman 5-4, winning the decider 69-38. And Martin Gould came from 4-2 down to beat Zhao Xintong 5-4, knocking in runs of 62 and 95 before taking the decider 73-45.