Jimmy White last night captured his first world ranking title in 12 years, defeating Paul Hunter 9-7 to win the Daily Record Players Championship. White, who will be 42 next month, picked up 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 a final of the highest quality, especially for two players who had performed so well in their previous four games.
In a dreadful first session, 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. And at 8-5 down, Hunter was in trouble.
However, he responded by producing his best break of the match, a 67 to take the next. 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.