John Higgins has compiled his eighth career maximum break in the Northern Ireland Open on Wednesday.

The Scot, in a rich vein of form at present, recorded the feat in the last frame of a 4-1 victory over Sam Craigie at the Titanic Belfast.

Higgins played a superb double on the final red to prolong the run before holding his nerve to sink the final few colours and complete the perfect frame.

It’s the 41 year-old’s first 147 in almost four years, and safeguards his position as the third most prolific maximum maker after Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has recorded a record 13, and Stephen Hendry.

Higgins has enjoyed a wonderful November so far after emerging victorious in both the China Championship and Champion of Champions invitationals – where he pocketed a mammoth £300,000.

In beating Craigie, the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ also extends his stay in the second Home Nations event of the four-tournament series as he comfortably booked his place in the last 32, where he’ll meet Chinese youngster Zhou Yuelong.

With so many of the higher ranked players either absent or already knocked out, Higgins will fancy his chances of collecting a third trophy of the month.

It’s an impressive resurgence from the four-time world champion, who continues to deny the frequent predictions from many circles throughout his career that his time at the top has finished.

If the last fortnight is anything to go by, Higgins has plenty of time remaining in the higher echelons of the sport.

The Northern Ireland Open continues throughout the day with the round of 64 to be contested in its entirety.

Click here to view the draw. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twg6aTP1kSE