Mark Selby finally shook off the challenge of Mark Williams to win the China Open, prevailing 10-8 in a thrilling final.
The world number one doubled his tally in the event, but while his first victory came after a one-sided demolition job, Sunday's affair was anything but.
Selby produced two centuries in the opening four frames, with Williams only able to get on the scoreboard thanks to a high-class 124 of his own to trail 3-1.
An 82 break in frame five reduced the deficit to one, and while Selby restored his two-frame advantage it was halved again when Williams struck another century to win frame nine.
The Welshman - who needed to win his first ranking title since 2011 to secure a World Championship place - then appeared set to take control, leading 6-5 and 8-7, before Selby did what he does best and fought back with three in succession for the title.
After levelling at 8-8, the reigning world champion took the lead once more with a break of 124, his third century of the match to move within one of victory, before sealing it in the next frame.
Selby now heads to the Crucible as likely favourite to win his third World Championship in four years, but Williams must now win three best-of-19 qualifiers if he's to make the 32-man main draw.
Selby's victory was predicted by snooker expert Simon Crawford, who also had a 33/1 winner earlier this season. Watch out for his comprehensive, free-to-read take on the World Championship, coming soon.
