Higgins Holds Off Day to Claim Grand Prix

John Higgins withstood a fine comeback from Ryan Day to claim the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Glasgow. Higgins had extended his 5-2 lead from the first session into a 7-2 advantage but Day belatedly discovered his best form to pull the score back to 8-7. However the former number one and double World Champion held his nerve and, after potting an excellent final red, eventually clinched the match 9-7.

It was the Scotsman's 19th title but the first in his home country and it brought an end to a tournament drought that extended back to May 2007, when he won the World Championship. Welshman Day, who enjoyed a fine tournament, remains searching for an elusive first tournament victory.

Higgins dedicated his victory to his daughter after previously doing likewise for his two sons. "It's great," he said. "I'm dedicating it to my girl Claudia. I've always won it for my boys but that's for Claudia."

Higgins was full of praise for Day's performance, adding: "He's definitely the player of the tournament and I was so lucky to be 7-2 in front. I was just scrambling to get over the line. I was feeding off Ryan's misses. I was waiting for the decider, so I'm so glad I won."