John Higgins capped an "unbelievable 12 months" as he won his fourth world championship by beating Judd Trump last night.

Higgins, who a year ago was mired in allegations of frame-fixing, was able to celebrate as he completed his rehabilitation in the game with an 18-15 victory in Sheffield.

Higgins broke down in tears at mention of his late father, the man who guided his career and died in February, but savoured his victory.

"It's an unbelievable moment to win it again," Higgins said.

"It's been amazing, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for (the support of his family). It's just an unbelievable 12 months but it's been great."

Higgins also had high praise for his 21-year-old opponent, who came from relative obscurity to become the story of the tournament before falling short at the final hurdle.

"I think he was the better player, playing a brand of snooker we've never seen before, it was unbelievable," Higgins said.

"The amount of long shots he was potting was incredible, great to watch and we've got a new sensation in the game."

Higgins had to come back from 12-9 down in the final to see off Trump.

"It's just been tough matchplay," he added. "I knew I had to come in to the third session and play great and I think I've done that to get back into the match. I just made Judd think about it a little bit."

Trump is likely to be in a final again some time in the near future, but admitted he never expected to reach this one.

"I've come here not expecting to do that well, so to get to the final is a good achievement," he said. "Obviously I'd have liked to have won today but Jon was the better player on the day, he played the better snooker over the two days and was the deserving winner."

Trump admitted he was amazed by the support he had received.

"It's been unbelievable really from the start," he said. "Seventeen days ago I was no one really, but every game it kept building and the fan base I've created is unbelievable. The support from everyone back home, family friends, everyone wishing me luck, it wasn't enough this time but I'll come back next year."