Jimmy White was the toast of Glasgow tonight after capturing his first world ranking title in 12 years.
White, who will be 42 next month, defeated Paul Hunter 9-7 to win the Daily Record Players Championship.
He also denied his 25-year-old opponent the LG Electronics Tour Order of Merit title, which goes to Ronnie O'Sullivan together with a £50,000 bonus.
The Whirlwind's reward for his remarkable return from the wilderness was a first prize of £82,500.
He is also expected to rise to 10th in the provisional world rankings having arrived at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in danger of losing his top-16 status.
White, runner-up to Stephen Maguire at the European Open, also became the eighth different winner of a tournament this season.
Surprisingly, it was not the highest of quality finals, especially for two players who had performed so well in their previous four games.
But that did not matter to White, who has been written off so many times since beating John Parrott to win the 1992 UK title at Preston.
His self-confessed gambling problems, marital strife and brushes with the law had taken the edge of his game.
Indeed, just last month the father of five was arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug after an exhibition match with Alex Higgins.
However, he has always believed in his own ability and now goes forward to the World Championship starting in Sheffield on Saturday with a great chance of capturing the one trophy he craves more than any other.
In a dreadful first session today, White shared the opening eight frames with the Wembley Masters champion.
And Hunter, who usually saves his best form for the evening session, struck in the ninth to lead for the first time.
But White was not to be denied and he went on a four-frame winning streak when Hunter, 11-4 on favourite before the game, scored just 35 points.
Indeed breaks of 44, 56 and 76 turned the screw as White was left just one from victory.
At 8-5 down, Hunter was in trouble.
In past finals the pony-tailed professional resorted to his famous `Plan B' - but with girlfriend Lyndsey Fell not in Glasgow, he had to do without a `love break' back at his hotel.
However, Hunter responded to his predicament by producing his best break of the match.
Amazingly for such a fluent cueist, Hunter's run of 67 was his first half-century, overtaking his third-frame effort of 45.
He also snatched frame 15 after White looked to have one hand on the trophy.
Hunter appeared to be on another comeback trail, but this time White was not to be denied his moment in the spotlight.
Despite an unfavourable table, White picked his way to a vital 49 break for a 55-0 lead, and moments later it was all over.