John Higgins has won his first title in four years with a 10-6 victory over Joe O'Connor in the World Open final. Scotland's four-time world champion established a 6-2 lead at the interval in Yushan, China, before sealing the 32nd ranking-tournament success of his career. At 49, he was the oldest ranking-event finalist since 1986 and signed off in style with a century break in the last frame. Higgins had come from 5-3 down to beat Zak Surety 6-5 in the semi-finals after equalling Ronnie O'Sullivan's record of reaching 146 ranking-event quarter-finals. His last title came at the 2021 Players Championship. World number 39 O'Connor enjoyed a remarkable run to reach only his second ranking final, beating Ali Carter, Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy along the way. The 29-year-old Englishman previously finished runner-up to Gary Wilson at the 2022 Scottish Open.