Martin Gould won the first world ranking title of his career after beating Luca Brecel 9-5 in the final of the German Masters in Berlin, on Sunday night.
Londoner Gould landed his biggest pay-day of €80,000 and jumped from 20th to 15th in the world rankings after outplaying Brecel in the final at the famous Tempodrom venue in the German capital.
It was third time lucky for 34-year-old Gould who lost his first ranking final against Shaun Murphy at the 2011 Players Championship and his second against John Higgins at the Australian Goldfields Open earlier this season.
Success has not come easily for Gould as he virtually quit snooker after dropping off the tour in 2004 and worked as a casino croupier to make ends meet.
But since regaining his pro status in 2007 his talent has blossomed.
He has won other tournaments including a PTC event in 2012 and the one-frame Shoot-Out in 2013 but this is by far his most significant victory. He knocked out Mark Williams and Judd Trump on his way to the final, then got the better of Brecel, who was the first Belgian player to contest a ranking final.
Gifted Brecel, aged 20, had hoped to become the first European player from outside the UK and Ireland to win a ranking title, but struggled to show his skill and flair on Sunday.
He still earned €35,000 and jumps eight places to 28th in the world, and it surely won’t be long before he is clutching silverware.
“It’s great to get the monkey off my back and win my first ranking title,” said Gould.
“I struggled early in the match and felt some pressure because I knew I was the higher ranked player so perhaps I was expected to win. I managed to go 3-1 up and that settled me down.
“I made a few mistakes but bounced back well. It was just a wonderful feeling to get over the line.
“My arm was shaking when I potted the last couple of balls. When I was back in my chair I kissed my finger and pointed up to the sky for my mum (who died 12 years ago). I’m sure she’s up there now and she’ll be so happy and having a whiskey tonight.
“I want to take this form forward now and I just can’t wait for the next tournament, especially if I play on a TV table and get to be introduced as a ranking event winner. That’s going to take some getting used to.”