SNOOKER is famed for its late-night drama; over the years there have been countless major finals that have enthralled millions of viewers encapsulated by the green baize game.

A decade ago, the illustrious invitational Masters tournament came to a compelling climax, with two of the sport's most celebrated sons going head-to-head in a titanic tussle.

It was John Higgins versus Ronnie O'Sullivan. The steely Scot against the enigmatic Englishman.

Locked at 9-9 and with O'Sullivan having built a 60 break, Higgins took to the table to make a magnificent 64 clearance and clinch the coveted crystal trophy.

With the 2016 edition of the prestigious event getting underway at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, the four-time world champion has been reminiscing of yesteryear.

“It definitely ranks as one of my best ever clearances and best ever wins,” he recalled fondly.

“It was the last ever match at the old Wembley Conference Centre and one I’ll never forget.

“I’m not one to watch old matches on YouTube but I have seen replays of it when people are talking about the best matches of the past 10 years.

“That brings back great memories for me of winning the last frame and celebrating with my family.”

Ten years on, the pair are still two of the most feared foes on the circuit.

Higgins has held the title twice, whilst O'Sullivan, who is returning to the big stage after nine months away from major tournaments, has five victories to his name.

Despite winning it on two occasions, a disappointing record of 11 first round exits in 21 appearances is one that Higgins is desperate to improve.

“Overall my Masters record isn’t great,” he admitted. “I may have won it twice but I’ve been playing in it for over 20 years and I’ve had quite a few first round defeats.

“I have sometimes been over-awed by the event. I never liked the atmosphere at Wembley Arena although I really enjoy playing at Alexandra Palace.”

Higgins fell in the first round last year to Northern Irishman Mark Allen in what was an incredibly high quality contest.

He came into the tournament on the back of a disastrous drought in which he'd gone over two years without a major title, and despite making three century breaks he fell to a 6-4 defeat.

“I couldn’t have actually played much better in that match,” he reflected. “Mark was just brilliant.

“At the time I felt that if I could keep playing like that then I would win a tournament soon, and that’s the way it turned out.”

February 2015 ended Higgins' extremely difficult spell without a trophy when he took the Welsh Open title, before going on to win the Australian Goldfields Open and the International Championship in what was a remarkable resurgence in form.

“Looking back on 2015, it was one of my best years for a long time,” he added.

“The International Championship was the highlight because I played so well throughout the tournament, it was the best I had played since winning the world title in 2011.

“I’ve never been one for setting targets and I’m not going to start doing that now, but this year I just want to keep putting the work in, keep my game at a decent level and see where that takes me.”

Higgins goes up against Chinese debutant Liang Wenbo in the first round on Wednesday, with the left-hander in fine form after reaching the UK Championship final last month.

Meanwhile Glasgow's Stephen Maguire is also vying for the £200,000 top prize in London.

The 2004 UK Champion crept in as the 16th seed and goes up against potting sensation Judd Trump on Monday.