John Higgins defeated world no.1 Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-2 at the Guild Hall on Sunday night to take his third Grand Prix title, the trophy and a £60,000 first prize.

The Wizard of Wishaw triumphed after a potting masterclass in this year's best-of-17 final.

And the all-conquering Scot, who made a return to form last season when he won the British Open in Brighton, believes he is firmly "back in the zone".

Higgins was simply sensational against O'Sullivan, an opponent who is much more well renowned for crushing his opponents on the table.

Higgins made four consecutive centuries from frames seven to ten, the first time any player has achieved that in competitive play.

It was a truly mesmerising performance from the Scot who also broke the all-time record for unanswered points.

He scored 494 without reply, bettering Stephen Hendry's record of 487 set at the 1996 Masters against Jimmy White.

"They're great records and I'm delighted to have got them," said Higgins.

"It was brilliant. I played really well and I just felt I wasn't going to miss."

These days, Higgins openly admits his priorities in life changed following his marriage and the birth of his two children.

But now the 1998 world champion is firmly back on the World Snooker map and looking forward to continuing his form at the next ranking event of the season, the UK Championship in York, which starts in December.

Beaten finalist O'Sullivan, last year's defending champion, paid tribute to his conqueror and said: "It's good to see John back playing that type of snooker. It's good for snooker, it's good for John and his family, and it's great for everyone."

Higgins, unbelievably, had only won one ranking event in the last four seasons, a tally which he took up to two with his memorable Grand Prix victory in Preston.

During the tournament, World Snooker announced that the Malta Cup will again be included in the 2005/06 calendar.

The ranking tournament at Hilton Portomaso, will be played between January 30 and February 5.