Higgins: I was a man on a mission

Newly crowned UK Championship winner John Higgins declared that he was a man on a mission following his victory over Mark Williams in the tournament final on Sunday night.

The 35-year old Scotsman came from 9-5 down to defeat the Welshman 10-9 in the final in Telford and claimed his third UK Championship in the process.

The victory served as redemption of sorts for Higgins, as it was his first victory since returning from a six month ban imposed on him earlier this year following allegations of match fixing.

Higgins was also determined to win the tournament for his ailing father - who is fighting a losing battle with cancer – and Higgins struggled to hold back the tears in the aftermath of his victory.

'I was a man on a mission,” he said.

“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. It means a great deal. Obviously it means a great deal to my family as well.”

Higgins added: “I just never gave up. I thought 9-5 was too big a mountain but each frame was going past and I was still in it. It is an unbelievable feeling.”