Snooker: Higgins battles to victory

JOHN HIGGINS admitted he was "a man on a mission" after claiming his third 12bet.com UK Championship snooker crown in dramatic fashion.

Higgins recovered from 9-5 down to defeat Mark Williams 10-9 in the final in Telford.

It was his first major tournament triumph since serving a six-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute. But Higgins had also stated his desire to lift the crown for his father, John senior, who is losing his five-year battle against cancer. He got his wish and struggled to contain the tears after crossing the finishing line.

Higgins said: "I was a man on a mission. I was really determined to try and stop anything which prevented me from winning it.

"Given everything that surrounds it, this is my finest hour on the table.

"It means everything, just to be back playing and winning. Obviously it means a great deal to my family as well."