Luke Humphries claimed it was ‘a privilege’ to become the first winner of the revamped Winmau World Masters on Sunday, following his epic deciding-leg victory over Jonny Clayton in Milton Keynes.
Humphries defied a stirring fightback from Clayton to prevail in a thrilling finale at Arena MK, after the Welshman recovered from 5-2 down in sets to force a dramatic decider.
However, the world number one withstood a valiant fightback from the former Premier League champion to claim the £100,000 top prize and etch his name into the history-books.
“It feels amazing,” reflected Humphries, who also defeated Joe Cullen, Josh Rock, Damon Heta and Danny Noppert on his way to glory.
“To be the first winner of the new edition of the World Masters is a massive privilege, and to win it in the manner I did is even better.
“When you win those really close games, they mean more.
“I’ve had some close calls in my career. The Players Championship Finals when I beat Michael [van Gerwen]; the World Matchplay last year, but tonight was up there!”
Humphries appeared in cruise control after charging into a 5-2 lead, only for Clayton to respond with a brilliant burst, winning six of the next seven legs to restore parity at five apiece.
The Pontyberem veteran then struck the first blow in the deciding set, but Humphries produced a late comeback of his own, winning back-to-back legs to seal the deal.
“I was thinking I might have let the game go to be honest,” conceded Humphries, who overturned a two-set deficit to dispatch Dutch number two Noppert in the semi-finals.
“The nerves started creeping in, my arm felt a bit heavy and you do doubt yourself a little bit, but I managed to come back well.
“I managed to find something at the right moment, and I was so happy to hit that winning double - it just fell in.”
Humphries’ latest success takes his haul of televised ranking titles to seven, moving him level with two-time World Champion Peter Wright on the all-time list.
The 29-year-old has also achieved the highest total ranking income in the history of the two-year Order of Merit system, having earned £1,904,250 over the two years.
“I have had a great 15 months, but every time you lift a title it is special,” added Humphries, who returns to action on Thursday night when the BetMGM Premier League begins in Belfast.
"That’s a seventh major title for me now, I am three away from the great James Wade and for me to be even close to someone like that - I can’t even believe it.
“The last few days have been really tough, but days like today make it all worthwhile when you take that trophy home.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck straight into the Premier League now, and hopefully I can kick off it with a bang by winning the night in Belfast."