John Higgins recorded his 12th maximum break in the British Open to eclipse fellow Scot Stephen Hendry.

The Wizard of Wishaw was in scintillating early form as he hit a stunning 147 against Alex Ursenbacher in his first round clash.

Higgins, who is defending his title after a 17-year absence, moved ahead of fellow Scottish snooker legend Hendry with his 12th career maximum.

The 46-year-old trails only Ronnie O’Sullivan on the all-time list, with 15 maximums, and he admits it was a proud moment.

“I’m delighted,” Higgins added. “Anytime you get one it’s a great feeling and it was great for the event.

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“You know it’s on but you are trying to win the frame and not do anything stupid. But when it got to 60-odd, I thought that I could have played for the pink or blue but I went back to the black to try to go for it.

“Anytime you go above Stephen in any record then it’s a proud moment. Going above him is a proud moment.

Higgins has embarked on a fitness programme during the off-season and the 46-year-old noticed the difference at the table.

He said to the World Snooker Tour: “You just feel a little bit freer around the table and on the table. That’s first and foremost what it does and it should help me produce better snooker.

“As you get older, you don’t know how many more years you’re going to have playing at this level.

“So I’ve got to try and give myself as good a chance as possible in the last years of my career to stay up there, competing with the best players.”

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