John Higgins (L) and Stephen Maguire of Scotland pose with their trophies after defeating China B in the final match during the Beverly 2019 Snooker World Cup in Wuxi city, East China's Jiangsu province, June 30, 2019.[Photo/Xinhua]

John Higgins and Stephen Maguire won the Snooker World Cup trophy for Scotland for the first time since 1996 in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, on June 30.

They beat China B's Liang Wenbo and Zhou Yuelong 4-0 to share the $200,000 top prize and take revenge for their loss against China B in the 2015 World Cup final when Zhou was paired with Yan Bingtao.

The Scottish duo didn't give their opponents a chance from the beginning. As Liang and Zhou had only just achieved a difficult victory against England late that afternoon, they could barely parry the world No 5 and No 16.

China's Zhou Yuelong (right) and Liang Wenbo at the trophy ceremony. [Photo/Xinhua]

Though Liang wasn't able to lift the title for a third time in a row, he was satisfied with their performance in the semi-final, where he offered to take on the final frame and ensure the team's progression to the final. He shared the $100,000 runner-up prize with Zhou.

Evaluating the tornament, Higgins said: "One of my proudest moments in snooker was when I partnered with Stephen (Hendry) and Alan (McManus) all those years ago to win the World Cup. We came so close four years ago, but this more than makes up for it. A brilliant feeling and a great partner. It is a brilliant moment for both our careers."