Higgins sets sights on emulating ‘magnificent seven’

For the Scottish potter has endured a roller-coaster 12 months which saw him cleared of frame-fixing but banned for six months for breaching betting rules, then suffered the death of his father John in February.

But after his enforced absence, the 34-year-old has won the UK Championship, Welsh Open and on Monday night was crowned world champion for the fourth time at a packed Crucible when he beat rising star Judd Trump 18-15.

“If someone had said this was possible back in November then I would’ve just laughed,” said Higgins, who wants to emulate Crucible legend Stephen Hendry and win seven world titles.

“This is by far and away the biggest and best title that I’ve won. But now I want to get to seven. I’ve won it in three of the last five seasons and have dedicated myself so I just want to keep on winning it as it’s an incredible feeling.

“I don’t see any reason why I can’t do it and I have another five years to try and win it three times.”

While Higgins picked up the Betfred.com World Championship trophy, it was 21-year-old Trump – who won his first ranking event last month, the China Open – who received most accolades for his exciting attacking style which left Higgins drooling with admiration.

“He will be a multiple World champion – he’s that good,” said Higgins.

“The progress he has made from winning the China Open to get here in the final is incredible. It was a joy to watch him and 99 per cent of fans were watching him because of the way he plays.

“The amount of long pots he was going for was incredible and it’s great to watch. You’ve got a great, new sensation in the game which is fantastic.”

Trump’s swashbuckling style meant he never shied away from difficult pots, even though several misses helped swing the final in Higgins’s favour.

Afterwards, Trump was unrepentant and insisted he would not alter his attacking style.

“I was always going to play my game and I’m glad I didn’t change it. I tried my best but it was just not good enough.

“I felt I was going to pot every ball I went for but if I’d changed my game I could’ve ended up looking silly.

“I think the crowd enjoyed it and that makes me happy and I enjoyed the game,” added Trump, whose only worry is to sort car insurance for a flashy sports car he intends buying with his £185,000 winnings from China and Sheffield.