John Higgins failed in his bid to win a fifth World Championship, despite a brave comeback against Mark Williams.

Higgins had trailed 14-7 but responded to level the final at 15-15.

Welshman Williams then regained his form to seal an 18-16 victory at the Crucible.

That gave him his third world title, 15 years after he last won the tournament.

It was a second successive final defeat for Higgins, who first claimed the championship in 1998.

"Today I was 14-7 behind and I was worried if I would take it to the fourth session," Higgins told the BBC. "I didn't want to lose with a session to spare.

"It was a good match to watch but obviously I'm disappointed. He is a great champion."