Higgins, 48, a four-time world champion, converted fifteen reds and blacks but overreached when it came to the yellow.
For the Saudi Arabia event, which will include the best players in the world, the golden ball has been brought in.
A player can break the record with a 167 if they accomplish a 147.
For as long as a player can still finish the maximum break, the golden ball, which is worth 20 points, is positioned on the top cushion. When the possibility to score a break is gone, the ball is withdrawn.
