John Higgins cruised to an 18-9 win over Shaun Murphy to take his third Snooker World Championship title on Monday. He joins Steve Davis, Steven Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan as players to have completed Crucible hat-tricks.

The Scot went into the last session 11-5 ahead. Murphy won the second frame with an excellent 91 break, but was never allowed to establish momentum on the night. Higgins led 14-6 before the interval. Murphy then took the next two frames to reduce the deficit to 14-8. He won the 22nd frame with a clearance of 79.

But Murphy was always kept at arm's length, and Higgins held his nerve to close out the contest 18-9.