By Neil Goulding

HOT Scot John Higgins is back in love with snooker having joined illustrious company.

Higgins tasted sweet success yesterday as he was crowned the new International Championship champion in China.

The on-song Wishaw potter Higgins cruised to a fine 10-5 victory over England’s David Gilbert in this year’s best-of-19 frame final to pocket the £125,000 first prize.

And with his sweet victory in Daqing, the 40-year-old Scot went ahead of crowd favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan in the all-time list of career ranking crowns.

Higgins’ victory was his 28th ranking title, one which also took him level with his boyhood idol Steve Davis, though still eight behind fellow Scot Stephen Hendry’s record of 36.

“It’s amazing to have equalled my hero when I was growing up,” beamed Higgins. “I don’t think I would have ever believed I could have equalled any of Steve Davis’ records.

“Obviously Stephen Hendry is still miles out in front on 36, and there’s probably a good chance I won’t get to that but you never know.

“If I’ve won three ranking events in a calendar year, it will only take me another three years and I’ll probably overtake Stephen!

“I love snooker, I love playing the game, I don’t think I’ll ever retire from the game.

“I would always love to still play it at some level, so I’ll play as long as I can and try and play good snooker.”

Gilbert, appearing in his maiden ranking final, started well and led 2-1 thanks to a top break of 100.

But Higgins made his experience count and pocketed breaks of 56, 66, 69 and 108 to lead 5-4 after the opening session.

And the world No 12 sparkled after the restart as breaks of 129, 88, 52, 56 and 88 saw him ease to his second ranking title of the season.

“It’s a special moment for me to have won my 28th ranking title to equal Stave Davis,” beamed Higgins.

“It’s a very special moment and a moment I will never forget.

“Daqing has given me this moment and it has been the best tournament I think I’ve ever played continually throughout the whole tournament.

“I think maybe I’ve only played bad in maybe one session against Michael Holt, but the rest of the time I felt I played very good so Daqing will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I can’t really play much better than that – some of the matches I played this week against Murphy and Selby, so to beat players like that I’m over the moon.

“Obviously against David, it was his first final and he should be proud of himself because although he didn’t play his best game.

“But he still played some great frames and it was probably a closer scoreline than 10-5. It seemed a far closer match in my eyes.

“I said to him hopefully that’s his first final of many in the future for him and he’s got a taste for it now and obviously he’ll strive to get more.

“I’m delighted to have won the second biggest tournament on the calendar, in my eyes.”

Gilbert knocked in match breaks of 77, 59, 51 and 54, but admitted he was beaten by the better man.

And he was pleased to have earnt himself £65,000 as a worthy runner-up.

“John was brilliant, he’s such a class act,” admitted Gilbert.