John Higgins reacts after extending three-year drought by losing British Open final

John Higgins admits he is frustrated with his performance in the evening session of the British Open final.

The 49-year-old was beaten 10-5 by Mark Selby in the final, with the eventual victor pulling clear late on after a tight afternoon session saw the eight frames split 5-3 in the Jester from Leicester's favour.

The defeat means that Higgins' wait for a ranking title goes on, having last landed the spoils in a ranking tournament at the 2021 Players Championship. He also remains tied with Stephen Hendry on four British Open titles, having had the chance to become the most successful player in the history of the event.

Speaking after his defeat, Higgins said: "Mark was too good. He put on a clinic tonight. It's been an amazing run. I was just disappointed. The tenth frame I had the balls at my mercy to make it 5-5.

"There are certain points in matches and that's when I gave it away. Mark got stronger and stronger. He's Mark Selby. That's what he does. I've loved being in a final again. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I'm just a bit disappointed with the final session because I didn't bring anywhere near a good enough game to compete with Mark. I'm proud I'm still trying to compete with these guys. You've got to bring a higher level to win finals and I don't know if I've got it."

Selby was full of praise for Higgins after winning the £100,000 jackpot, conceding that both players were not at their best in the evening session despite kicking off the final so impressively.

He explained "The way I played from start to finish was really pleasing. The first session was incredible, I think my pot success was 98% and John's was 96%.

"Tonight wasn't quite as good, I missed one red at 7-4 but apart from that I made very few mistakes and I took my chances when I had them. I have so much respect for John and his family, every time I play him I just relish the moment. I knew I had to play at the top of my game, and that's what I did today."

The win sees Selby clinch his first ranking title for 18 months and put an end to the worrying form that saw the four-time world champion publicly weigh up retirement from the sport.