Higgins wins World Open for first title in four years

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, John Higgins has won nine Triple Crown titles

John Higgins has won his first title in four years with a 10-6 victory over Joe O'Connor in the World Open final.

Scotland's four-time world champion established a 6-2 lead at the interval in Yushan, China, before sealing the 32nd ranking-tournament success of his career.

At 49, he was the oldest ranking-event finalist since 1986 and signed off in style with a century break in the last frame.

Higgins had come from 5-3 down to beat Zak Surety 6-5 in the semi-finals after equalling Ronnie O'Sullivan's record of reaching 146 ranking-event quarter-finals.

His last title came at the 2021 Players Championship.

World number 39 O'Connor enjoyed a remarkable run to reach only his second ranking final, beating Ali Carter, Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy along the way.

The 29-year-old Englishman previously finished runner-up to Gary Wilson at the 2022 Scottish Open.