Mark Williams claimed his first world snooker ranking tournament title since 2003 by beating John Higgins on Sunday in the final of the 2006 World Snooker China Open.

World No.6 Higgins holds 15-11 over Williams and won three in their four finals, but his victory in the ranking tournament over Williams was in the 2000 UK Championship.

Neither player could get more than a frame ahead during the first eight frames which held on Sunday's afternoon.

Higgins, aiming for his third title of the season, seemed to set up a 5-3 lead in the eighth frame but he committed an amateur's mistake as the cue ball jumped over the black.

Williams, world No.9, grabbed the chance to take a 66 run and levelled the game 4-4 again.

"It is a hard game," said Higgins, "We had good frames and bad frames, I am disppointed to lose the game, but I think it is an enjoyable match for the Chinese people to watch."

Two players continued their see-saw games in the second half on Sunday's evening.

Williams took 24, 21 and 22 to win the ninth frame by 67-0 but Higgins soon snatched back in the tenth with 71-57.

The games stunned into deadlock in the 11th as two players stopped at 61-4 for nearly 15 minutes.

Higgins then changed the situation by a run of 27, but a minor mistake on black ball caused him the frame as Williams scored a 15 break afterward.

"I am lucky enough in the 11th frame," said Williams, "John hada mistake in the black ball and that gave me the chance."

After tied at 8-8, Williams, who is looking for his first ranking tournament triumph since the LG Cup in October 2003, pushed forward steadily to win the deciding frame 69-44.

"I am delighted to win a title. It is fantastic for me to win aranking event in China," said Williams.

Mark Williams of Wales claims the title of World Snooker China Open after winning the final match against John Higgins from Scotland in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2006. (Xinhua photo)

Mark Williams of Wales acts during the final match against John Higgins from Scotland at the 2006 World Snooker China Open held at Beijing University Students' Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2006. (Xinhua photo)

John Higgins from Scotland ponders during the final match against Mark Williams of Wales at the 2006 World Snooker China Open held at Beijing University Students' Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2006. (Xinhua photo)

Editor: Donald