Ronnie O'Sullivan on Scottish Open exit: John Higgins is the perfect player

O'Sullivan did little wrong, but was forced to sit and suffer as Higgins enjoyed runs of 55, 109, 117, 105 and 72 in a flawless display of break-building at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

O'Sullivan admitted he is relieved to be out of tournament as tiredness caught up with him after winning a sixth UK title last weekend, but was quick to pay tribute to the Scotsman, who excelled in front of his home crowd.

"John is a class act: he is unbelievable. He has got class, touch, power..he's got everything. If you were going to build a snooker player, you would build John. He deserved his victory," said O'Sullivan, who had beaten Higgins four times previously this season.

World number two O'Sullivan has won the English Open, the Shanghai Masters and the UK Championship in a blistering few months that rivals the most successful run of his career.

"Thank God, it is over. I'm kind of relieved it is over. I'm fed up having to put my suit on every day," said O'Sullivan.

"Two or three tournaments is enough for me. I've done more than I thought I would.

"I'm looking forward to getting home. The same thing every day, you get a bit bored by it. I've got a month off, and it will be nice to enjoy it.

Higgins played down O'Sullivan's comments, but was thrilled with his night's work.

"It is nice for Ronnie to say that, but he is the best player we've ever seen at this game," said Higgins.

"It was brilliant coming out to that crowd. It felt a bit like a football crowd at the start, but was a special occasion to play in.

"Even if I had won 5-4, I would not be expecting to win the tournament. It is so close at the top level, and I will be expecting a similar test from Neil.

"I've lost to Ronnie heavily the last few times, and I was a bit edgy early on. From my point of view, it was very good in terms of scoring. But it isn't going to get any easier in the semi-finals."