John Higgins. Photo: worldsnooker.com

John Higgins, 40, could not have hoped for a better start to the season after beating Martin Gould 9-8 in an exciting final at the Australian Goldfields Open in Bendigo, on Sunday.

Victory brings Higgins’s career tally level with Ronnie O’Sullivan – 27 titles – and just one behind Steve Davis, though still nine short of Stephen Hendry’s record 36 ranking crowns.

Four-time world champion Higgins suffered a long lean spell of over two years before winning the Welsh Open last February, signalling his return to form.

Playing alongside Stephen Maguire, he also reached the final of the World Cup last month before losing to China B.

Carrying that form and sharpness into the event in Australia, he won five matches, culminating in Sunday’s win over Londoner Gould, the world no.26.

Higgins, no.13 in the rankings, could have clinched victory in frame 16 but missed a tricky last red when leading 54-33, and Gould cleared for 8-8.

Gould had first chance in the decider but could only make eight, and Higgins, as he has done so often, rose to the occasion with his match-winning 89.

“It was one of the best finals I’ve ever been involved in,” said Higgins.

“Credit to Martin because it was a brilliant match, I’m sure he’ll start winning tournaments now. The crowds have been fantastic all week and the players really appreciate that.

“It would be dream material if I could get to 28 ranking titles and equal Steve Davis in the all-time list.

“Ronnie O’Sullivan has won more than me over the years, made more century breaks and won more world titles.

“So he’s in front and he’s chasing Step-hen Hendry’s records. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep going and trying to win tournaments, I’m just really happy to have won this one.”

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