Scotland's John Higgins made light work of Shaun Murphy to wrap up his third World Championship in style with a crushing 18-9 victory at The Crucible.

Higgins became the sixth player in history to win three or more titles in the modern era as he won five of the eight frames on offer on Monday afternoon to build on his 11-5 overnight lead.

Resuming 16-8 up, Murphy rarely threatened and Higgins, who turns 34 on May 18, sealed the title with a break of 73.

He said: "It's amazing. When I won it for the first time in 1998, it took so long to win it again. Now, a couple of years later, to win it again is brilliant.

"The second session made the difference really. Shaun missed a couple of balls he normally wouldn't miss and I just managed to get in there and pinch a couple of frames.

"I got a good run of the balls in that session and that is what swung it my way."

The only minor wobble for Higgins in the final came in Sunday's opening session, when Murphy hit back with four in a row after Higgins had cruised to the first three frames.

Murphy, champion in 2005, had chances in all sessions, but was unable to produce the fantastic long potting he had shown in earlier rounds, which included victory over a rejuvenated Stephen Hendry.

Higgins now joins World No.1 Ronnie O'Sullivan and the late John Spencer with three world titles to his name, although still has a little work to do to catch up with Hendry (seven), Steve Davis (six) and Ray Reardon (six).