Snooker: Happiness is Higgins' winning formula

John Higgins added the Regal Masters title in Glasgow last night to last month’s Champions Cup success and then revealed the secret behind his success.

Local hero Higgins defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-6 at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel taking his earnings in the last four weeks to £163,000.

He next heads to Newcastle for the British Open starting on Saturday, looking to complete a hat-trick of wins.

’’There’s no magic formula for what’s happening,’’ said Higgins. ‘‘I’m just happy.

’’Touch wood nothing is going wrong with my life either privately or on the table. And long may it continue.

’’I’m not sure how many titles I can win this season, but I do know that winning these first two titles takes the pressure off.

’’If you don’t win for a while it can begin to pray on your mind.’’

Higgins’ only concern now is for his wife Denise. She was due to have their first baby last Thursday but has so far shown no sign of going into labour.

’’We have spoken to the doctors and they’ve told us that if nothing has happened by next Monday, they may induce her.

’’That could cause complications because I’m due to be playing in Newcastle. But Denise tells me something is going to happen this week so I believe her.’’

Denise watched Higgins end his nine-year wait to win a title on home soil last night. ‘‘I was really choked,’’ said the new champion.

’’I looked up at Denise and she seemed to have a tear in her eye and that set me off. But that’s what it meant to me to win in Scotland.

’’It’s been a long wait but it’s been worthwhile.’’

Higgins ended a run of five consecutive defeats against O’Sullivan, avenging his loss in last season’s world final and the 1999 Regal Masters final.

To do so he won seven of the last nine frames as O’Sullivan crumpled under the pressure after leading 4-2.

’’John is so consistent and solid,’’ agreed the world number two. ‘‘The way he is playing he will take some stopping this season.

’’He’s started off so brilliantly it’s hard to say how many titles he might win. But I’m pleased to have got to the final considering that three days before the tournament I wasn’t going to come up here.’’

Higgins picked up £63,000 for his week’s work while O’Sullivan pocketed £36,000, including a £5,000 high-break prize for his semi-final effort of 131 against Marco Fu.