Judd Trump signed off 2020 in fitting fashion with a 10-7 defeat of a rallying Jack Lisowski in the World Grand Prix final.
The world number one made it six titles in 2020 to continue his dominance of the sport, beating his long-time friend and practice partner in a thrilling spectacle played in great spirit and with exuberance on both sides.
Although Trump was a worthy and in the end comfortable winner, the victory parade which had appeared certain when he ran riot in the opening session turned into a grind as Lisowski showcased his undoubted talents with a thrilling comeback.
Trailing 7-2 after the first frame of the evening, Lisowski took four frames in a row before a tight 14th frame went the way of Trump, enough to stop the bleeding and set the sport's best player back on course.
Lisowski had his chance in what proved to be the final frame, but it was Trump who this time rallied to complete a 20th ranking success.
"It's been an incredible year for me," said the champion. "I want to thank everyone at World Snooker, everyone behind the scenes, security, referees, the cameramen, everyone.
"It's been a tough year. I'm just happy to be out here playing snooker. Me and Jack played some great stuff tonight, I'm glad everyone at home would've enjoyed that.
"I wouldn't be here without my mum, my dad and my brother. They sacrificed everything for me when I was younger, to put me in this position. I'm glad I can repay them by winning quite often!"
Though Lisowski will be left disappointed at the rope he afforded Trump in the afternoon session, his fireworks upon returning to the table - and the attitude he demonstrated - bode extremely well for the future.
Trump was quick to pay tribute to his close ally, clearly relieved at having done enough to fend him off in a match which produced 15 half-century breaks, including a century apiece.
"In the end it was an amazing game," said the 31-year-old. "I can't actually remember missing a ball tonight. It's probably up there... I've played Ronnie at his best, John Higgins a couple of times he's played like that, but over the nine frames, the standard... I've only ever played (that level) against Ronnie and John, that's how good he was tonight.
"It was a strange game. It's just sort of a pure relief really, (to win) when someone's coming back against you. In the end I'm just happy - I played really well, and I still could've lost.
"We're both mature enough now to know that as soon as you're out on the table, we both want to win. I'm glad he showcased how he can play on the biggest stage really. I've seen it my whole life. When he gets on a run, there's only I think Ronnie that I've ever seen makes the game look so easy.
"He put me under a bit too much pressure for my liking, but hopefully he'll be back soon and win an event."
Lisowski can hold his head high and enter 2021 believing his turn is near, with a first top-level success surely on the cards in the months to come should he build on his performance in Milton Keynes, snooker's temporary home.
"It wasn't looking good for me after the first session, and I just wanted to make a game of it tonight," said 29-year-old Lisowski, who has now lost all four ranking finals.
"I could sense that I was definitely putting Judd under a bit of pressure. I was just on a roll and even though I've lost, I've pushed the best player in the world - he's in maybe the best form ever... I made him work for his win.
"My game is going in the right direction, and I've definitely had an amazing week.
"Congratulations to Judd. I played my best against you tonight, and you stood up. Well done."
The final word though must go to Trump, who is collecting titles at such a rapid rate that Ronnie O'Sullivan's current record of 37 ranking titles could well come under threat in the next couple of years.
"For me it's been a sort of epic year, really," he said. "I'm going to struggle to top this season."
Watch him try.