LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese debutant Yan Bingtao defeated veteran John Higgins to clinch the Snooker Masters title on Sunday, becoming the youngest Masters champion since a 19-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan won in 1995.

Yan, 20, qualified for the prestigious invitation tournament for the first time with a personal best world ranking of 11. After beating Australia's Neil Robertson, world No. 8 Stephen Maguire and reigning champion Stuart Bingham, he became the youngest Masters finalist since Ding Junhui finished runner-up in 2007.

Facing four-time world champion Higgins in the final, Yan kept his composure as usual as he came back from 3-5 down to 5-5, then came from 5-7 behind to lead 8-7.

45-year-old Higgins managed to force a tie at 8-8 by winning the 16th frame, but failed to stop a determined Yan from finishing the job and taking the title with a 10-8 victory. Enditem

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