Ronnie O'Sullivan cruised to a 9-1 win over Barry Hawkins in the Kilkenny Irish Masters final to claim the Paul Hunter Trophy.
The Rocket was not at his sparkling best at the Ormonde Hotel but, having led 7-1 after the afternoon session, never looked back as he claimed the £13,500 winner's cheque.
And having pocketed a maximum 147 break in his 6-5 semi-final win over Scotland's John Higgins, this season's SAGA Insurance Masters champion took home £1,350 in additional prize-money for the competition's highest break prize.
"I should have gone 2-0 down, but I got into my stride in the fifth frame and played well," said O'Sullivan, who was presented with his trophy by Paul Hunter's widow Lyndsey.
"It's fantastic to play in Ireland, it's a great place to come because you get great support. The Irish love their snooker.
"All the players were depressed when the ranking event over here got cancelled, but hopefully this is the start of many more tournaments."
Hawkins, the world number 12, started the better and pinched the opening frame of the match 62-49.
But from there on in, it was O'Sullivan who powered his way over the winning line. "Ronnie's a superb player, he just got stronger and stronger," said Hawkins, a former Grand Prix semi-finalist.
"It was a hard day at the office. At 8-1 down I wanted him to finish me off because I wanted to get to the bar. It was a scrappy match and I just didn't get going."
