John Higgins received a standing ovation during the World Open final after pulling off a rarely seen shot.

The four-time world champion beat Joe O’Connor 10-6 in Yushan, China on Saturday to secure the title.

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Higgins pulled of the ‘shot of the century’ in the World Open final[/caption]

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The four-time world champion potted two reds with a single shot[/caption]

It was his 32nd career ranking triumph and his first since the 2021 Players Championship.

Higgins had lost five ranking finals in a row before his victory over O’Connor.

The 49-year-old also scooped £175,000 to move back up to eighth in the world with the win.

His victory came thanks to a stunning shot in the third frame as Higgins potted two reds at once.

Described as the ‘shot of the century’, he had attempted a long-range plant.

However, after successfully nudging a red into another to pot, the target ball clipped another ball before dropping into the pocket.

Higgins had struck the target ball with enough topspin for it to follow his first red into the pocket and all-but seal the frame.

He had already been leading 2-0 as the crowd gave the Scot a standing ovation.

Meanwhile, TNT Sports commentator Alan McManus was left in awe as he questioned whether the shot had been intentional.

McManus exclaimed: “I don’t know if that’s exactly what he played, but if it was, it’s the shot of the century.”

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Higgins let out a wry smile as he received a standing ovation[/caption]

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The Wizard of Wishaw went on to secure his 32nd ranking title[/caption]

The camera then panned to Higgins as he let out a wry smile before the commentator added: “[He’s got] a smile on his face thinking, ‘How did I do that?’”

Co-commentator Dave Hendon then quipped: “It was so good he got two.”

Higgins went on to wrap up victory to become the oldest winner of a ranking title since Ray Reardon in 1982.

It was also his fifth World Open title, with his last triumph coming in 2008 when the event was still known as the Grand Prix.

Speaking after his win, Higgins was asked what had impressed him about Yushan, explaining: “Just everything, the people, the sponsors, they have been fantastic all week, and the fans…

“I just want to say to Joe, Joe has had a fantastic week and he just didn’t play his best today. It was lucky for me, but he is a great player and I congratulate him.”

Higgins will be looking to continue his winning streak at this week’s World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.

The world number eight will face Ali Carter in the first round on Tuesday.