Neil Robertson underlined his status as one of the leading contenders for the World Championship later this month by defeating Jack Lisowski in the final of the China Open.
The Australian - a runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in both the Players Championship and Tour Championship last month - avoided a third successive final defeat with an 11-4 victory over Lisowski in Beijing.
Robertson built up an 8-1 advantage in the first session, the highlight of which was a magnificent 141 break in the second frame, en route to collecting the 16th ranking title of his career.
Lisowski was seeking to avenge his loss to Robertson in the final of the Riga Masters last July but the Englishman was powerless to stop the onslaught.
An opening 86 and that 141 clearance laid the groundwork for Robertson to open up a 4-0 lead and further breaks of 74, 100 and 65 ushered the left-hander into a commanding position.
Needing just three more frames for victory, the relentless Robertson moved to the brink of glory with breaks of 91 and 50 though Lisowski battled back to take the next two frames.
Robertson would not be denied and a 79 break got him over the line for a win that will see him move up three places to number four in the world rankings ahead of his trip to the Crucible in two weeks' time, where he will now be seeded in the top half of the draw.
This is the third ranking title of the season for Robertson - adding to his triumphs at the Riga Masters and Welsh Open - a feat he has never before achieved.
Robertson told World Snooker: "I was very determined going into today. I’ve lost my last two finals and with this being my sixth final of the season, I didn’t want it to be two wins and four losses.
"Playing someone like Jack Lisowski meant I had to play really well. When you know you have to play well to win, it gives you so much motivation.
"I was really concentrated throughout. It was probably one of my best ever performances from start to finish in an event. Especially in China, when you have to adapt to the jet lag.
"It seems like such a long time since I won the World Championship in 2010. Going into it this year, it is the first time in a while I am just going to go and entertain the crowd and play some attacking snooker that they can enjoy.
"Hopefully the results will just take care of themselves. In the last few years I have tried to get into the last 16 and the quarters and work my way into the tournament. I have won three ranking events and a massive competition this week, I’m just going to relax and enjoy myself."
World Championship Final Draw:
Mark Williams (1) v Qualifier
David Gilbert (16) v Qualifier
Barry Hawkins (9) v Qualifier
Kyren Wilson (8) v Qualifier
John Higgins (5) v Qualifier
Stuart Bingham (12) v Qualifier
Shaun Murphy (13) v Qualifier
Neil Robertson (4) v Qualifier
Mark Selby (3) v Qualifier
Luca Brecel (14) v Qualifier
Jack Lisowski (11) v Qualifier
Mark Allen (6) v Qualifier
Judd Trump (7) v Qualifier
Ding Junhui (10) v Qualifier
Stephen Maguire (15) v Qualifier
Ronnie O’Sullivan (2) v Qualifier
