Higgins title makes snooker history

John Higgins claimed his third title of the season

John Higgins has won the British Open snooker title, his third major championship victory in seven weeks.

The Scot became the first player ever to win the first three tournaments of the season with a 9-6 win over fellow Scot Graeme Dott.

Higgins' victory was worth £92,500, boosting his earnings to £255,500.

I was sat in my chair for too long against the best player in the world

Graeme Dott

"The snooker wasn't of the highest quality but I got the result," said the world number three, just a week after becoming a father for the first time.

"The wee man eats for Scotland so the money will come in handy for food."

In the last seven weeks the 26-year-old world has also defeated Mark Williams to take the Champions Cup in Brighton, and Ronnie O'Sullivan to capture the Regal Masters in Glasgow.

"I thought after winning the Regal Masters - my first title in Scotland - life couldn't get any better, but it has," said Higgins.

"Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis have got about every other record in the book so I'm very honoured to have this one.

"It's a great way to start the season with three titles. I may not be showing it inside but I'm ecstatic."

Graeme Dott led after four frames

Dott made a good start and went 3-1 ahead, but the match turned as Higgins took the next five frames.

Breaks of 100 and 42 closed the gap and Higgins was made to work for the victory, but a 112 break in the 12th frame helped the Scot to a famous win.

"Had I managed to go 4-1 up I think it would have relaxed me," said Dott. "But John won a close fifth frame and after that he seemed to step up a gear.

"I was sat in my chair for too long against the best player in the world at the moment.

"It's great to get to another final but next time if it happens hopefully I can play someone outside the top four.

"The likes of Higgins, Hendry, O'Sullivan and Mark Williams are on a different planet.

"I know you can't pick and choose your opponents.

"But John defeated Dave Harold to win his first title, Fergal O'Brien beat Anthony Hamilton and Stephen Lee played Marco Fu. So it can happen."