John Higgins produces one of the greatest clearances in snooker history at World Snooker Championship

John Higgins was overcome with emotion after producing one of the greatest clearances in snooker history in a stunning round of 16 World Snooker Championship win over Mark Allen.

With the score at 12-12, the Scot found himself 62-0 down in the final frame against Allen at the iconic Crucible in Sheffield.

Allen missed a red on break to give Higgins a lifeline and he produced a sensational sequence under pressure.

The Wizard of Wishaw turned it on and conjured up a 71 clearance which included a stunning double and the tremendous potting of two reds.

When he put away the black to reach the last eight and collect a cool £50,000, Higgins was immediately emotional as he looked to the skies and celebrated while the audience erupted in applause.

Afterwards, the 48-year-old admitted to having a cry in his dressing room after coming up clutch with a sensational performance.

Speaking to the BBC, Higgins said: "That was crazy wasn’t it?

“That clearance was probably the best [I’ve had] when I think about everything I’ve been through the last couple of years, when falling at hurdles.

“So to do that with the biggest pressure. I actually felt great and I’m thinking ‘I have to go for the double’.

“Mark [Allen] has so much bottle. When he’s on that break I thought he’d done it again.

"I think I’ve still got it. I gave myself a chance with a new cue and that’s given me a bit of confidence and I fancied having a go at my shots.

“I’ve loved being out here. I’ve loved playing here and I’m proud of myself. It means a lot.

“I’ll give myself a pat on the back, I’m pretty good under pressure!”

Higgins is one of the most decorated snooker players of all-time, with only Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis ahead of him in triple crown titles.

The four-time world champion will take on Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals.