THE MOTHER OF ALL COMEBACKS

John: Epic win was a perfect birthday gift for my mum

- NEIL GOULDING

JOHN HIGGINS reckons his magical Crucible clearance was the perfect birthday present for mum Josephine.

The gutsy Wizard of Wishaw conjured up a characteristic counter clearance, from 62-0, in the final hour of Monday.

That saw the Scot edge last-16 rival Mark Allen 13-12 in a black ball decider as the pressure ratcheted up inside the Crucible cauldron.

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry dubbed the double into the middle pocket to kick-start the break "the bravest shot I've ever seen".

Higgins raised his arms aloft after completing the comeback, having trailed The Pistol 10-7 as well as 12-11. He cried in the dressing room before media duties as the enormity of the achievement sank in.