John Higgins Wins 2025 World Open, Ends Four-Year Title Drought

Here is the rewritten article about John Higgins winning the 2025 World Open snooker title:

After a four-year drought, John Higgins has finally ended his ranking event title famine by claiming the 2025 World Open crown in China. The veteran Scot emerged victorious with a 10-6 triumph over England's Joe O'Connor in the final at the Yushan Sport Centre.

Heading into the title decider, Higgins was the bookmakers' favorite, but some questions lingered over whether the 49-year-old could handle the pressure after losing his previous five ranking finals. In three of those defeats, he had let sizable leads slip away.

However, the four-time world champion was determined not to let another golden opportunity pass him by. Higgins won a nervy opening frame on the final black and surged into a 3-0 lead. While not at his absolute best, the Wizard of Wishaw scored heavily at crucial moments to secure a 6-2 advantage after the first session.

When play resumed in the evening, Higgins extended his lead to 7-2 with a run of 68. O'Connor, chasing his maiden ranking title, battled back to 7-4 and had a chance to further eat into the deficit. But a steely 57 break settled Higgins, who then fired in a 94 to move one away from the winning line.

To his credit, the tenacious O'Connor refused to throw in the towel, winning the next two frames to stay alive at 9-6. But Higgins managed to regroup, constructing the contest's only century in what proved to be the final frame to get over the line and collect the £175,000 top prize.

It was a disappointing end to the week for O'Connor, but the 27-year-old can hold his head high after impressive wins over Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy en route to his second ranking final. His performance will give him confidence heading to the Crucible next month for the World Championship.

For Higgins, this long overdue success represents a 32nd career ranking title and ensures his place at next season's Champion of Champions event. With his ability to close out tournaments no longer in question, the soon-to-be 50-year-old will be full of belief at the upcoming World Grand Prix, Players Championship and Tour Championship.

Key Takeaway:
John Higgins put his ranking final demons to bed with a hard-fought 10-6 victory over Joe O'Connor to capture the 2025 World Open title. The Scot's first ranking crown in four years secures his spot at the Champion of Champions and sets him up nicely for a busy end to the season.