How Williams won 'one of the greatest finals'

Mark Allen, who won this year's Masters, writes on Twitter: "The best final I’ve ever watched. Twists and turns, comebacks and clearances. Credit to the game. The rest of us have to catch up with these old guys well done @markwil147 and hard lines John Higgins."

Referee Brendan Moore has described the match as an "absolute classic".

Mark Williams won his third World Championship - 15 years after his previous success - by holding off John Higgins' stunning fightback in a classic Crucible final.

Williams, 43, became the oldest winner since fellow Welshman Ray Reardon, who was 45 when he triumphed in 1978. He won seven frames on the trot to take a 14-7 lead but Scot Higgins, 42, came back magnificently to take eight of the next nine and level at 15-15.

However, Williams responded in style to secure an 18-16 victory.

The final was the closest since 2005 when Shaun Murphy beat Matthew Stevens by the same scoreline.

Williams claimed a record £425,000 at the Sheffield venue, taking his total prize money to £750,000 for the year, while Higgins' wait for a fifth title continues.

Watch the interview with Mark Williams after he became the world champion for a third time.

Mark Williams said he would do his press conference naked if he won the world title.

He has kept his word, as Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter for the Times, and our own Shamoon Hafez have just tweeted.

Grimboid: Congratulations Mark Williams! What a fantastic final between Williams and Higgins. Higgins fighting back from behind and Williams to comeback after missing that pink... incredible! I’m going to miss you #bbcsnooker Counting the days until the next #WorldSnookerChampionships

Gary Swan: What a match. The best final I have ever seen. Congratulations Mark Williams, Top Man. But no matter what, John Higgins take my hat off to you!! Unlucky Wizard, still one of the greatest of all time.

...as has another former world champion Stuart Bingham.

Former world champion Shaun Murphy has been quick to congratulate Mark Williams

Snooker professional Alfie Burden is another impressed by what he saw...

Kyren wilson, who lost in the semi-finals to John Higgins, writes on Twitter:...

This is the moment when Mark Williams clinched his third world title.

And now our champion Mark Williams. He says: "Last year I wasn't even here (he lost in qualifying). Last year I watched this in a caravan having some beers. I just can't believe it.

"You have to expect a comeback from John Higgins, when you are 50-60 in front he is the best at coming back.

"I knew at the end if I didn't get enough in front he would clear up again but I'm over the moon.

"Last year I was seriously thinking of giving up, she (wife Joanne) said I can't sleep in the house 24 hours a day.

"I made a really good break under pressure. My game is now in pretty good shape now."

Our runner-up John Higgins says: "It was unbelievable to play in front of this crowd. The last frame was just a joke there for him to play that well under that pressure. It is one of the best breaks under pressure that I've ever seen.

"Today I was 13-7 behind and I was worried if I would take it to the fourth session, I didn't want to lose with a session to spare.

"It was a good match to watch but obviously I'm disappointed. He is a great champion."

Another red, slowly rolled into the pocket. Williams has done it.

Once again, this frame, this match, this championship looked all over. Three snookers needed for Higgins. One more pot for Williams will be enough.

A red right into the heart of the pocket. Williams misses the brown, but Higgins, 70 behind comes to the table. There are only 59 points on the table so Higgins needs three snookers.

And the black. Higgins needs snookers

Another red goes.