Neil Robertson was crowned 2012 BGC Masters champion after defeating Shaun Murphy 10-6 in Sunday's final at Alexandra Palace.
The Cambridge-based Australian, 29, was in magnificent form during a dominant second session, winning four successive frames to establish an unassailable position.
A high-quality and tense first session ebbed and flowed, but it was Robertson who finished the stronger, winning the final two frames to secure a confidence-building 5-3 lead.
And the man from Melbourne grew in confidence as the match progressed to complete his seventh victory in the seven rankings finals he has contested.
'I think that a good start was really important,' Robertson said.
'I was quite lucky to be in there at three-all and after that I think I played some really good match snooker.
'It means a lot.
'After the World Championship this is the tournament I really wanted to win.
'My path to the final definitely hasn't been easy but I've stuck to it, played some really good stuff and I'm over the moon.
'At the start of the season I wanted to get to the latter stages of most of the events.
'To win the Masters has made the season for me really.'
Ranked number four in the world, Robertson displayed few chinks in his armour with a fleeting late fightback from Murphy failing to halt the procession.
Murphy needed to respond early in the second session after slipping 5-3 behind and he did exactly that with two commanding visits to the table forcing Robertson to concede the ninth.
But Murphy, ranked sixth in the world, looked on thoughtfully as Robertson produced a brave 101 topped by a difficult red into the middle pocket to restore his two frame-lead.
A tremendous long-range red hauled Murphy back into contention in an 11th frame notable for a succession of errors from both players.
Robertson displayed his potting skill to match Murphy with a long red of his own before winning the war of attrition that marked the closing stages of the frame.
The emphasis on safety continued into the 12th and it was Robertson who eventually broke the deadlock with a wonderful red to the middle right pocket.
It was the opening shot of a break of 76 that placed him 8-4 ahead and worryingly for Murphy he was showing no weaknesses in his game.
Murphy made an encouraging start to the 13th, but once more his lack of accuracy cost him with Robertson not needing a second invitation when a mistake brought him to the table.
Another break of 76 prompted Murphy to stay in his seat, placing Robertson on the brink of victory.
Refusing to throw in the towel, Murphy won the next frame in double quick time and then produced a stunning pot of the blue, complete with screw back, on the way to winning the 15th frame with a break of 86.
Robertson was on course to romp home in the 16th after amassing a break of 70, only to miss a simple red.
Murphy could not capitalise, however, and upon his return to the table Robertson closed out the game, raising his hands and cue aloft as he celebrated his first Masters title.
