Wales’ Mark Williams produced a superb display to win his third World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield at the expense of Scotland’s John Higgins.

Williams – a huge outsider at the start of the event – made history on Sunday as he became the oldest champion since Ray Reardon, who was 45 in 1978.

The 43-year-old made a flying start in Sheffield and had led 15-10 at the end of the afternoon session.

He was then rattled as Higgins battled back to level the match before Williams responded to claim the huge prize.

Williams won a record £425,000, taking his prize money to £750,000 for the year, and he admits it was a memorable occasion.

“It’s unbelievable. Twelve months ago I wasn’t even here. I watched it in a caravan,” Williams told BBC Sport.

“I was seriously thinking of giving up, but my wife Joanne said I can’t sleep in the house 24 hours a day.

“To play John in a final is an experience in itself. You’ve got to expect a comeback because when you’re 50 or 60 in front he’s the best I’ve ever seen at clearing up – and that includes Ronnie O’Sullivan.

“I was thinking: ‘I’m not going to get over the line here.’ I knew if I didn’t get enough he was going to clear up again. But I’m over the moon.”

Williams won two ranking titles earlier this season and his tally now stands at 21 in his long, successful career.