Stephen Maguire claimed his first ranking title in three years with a 9-5 win over Fergal O'Brien in the Northern Ireland Trophy final.
Scot claims third title of career - first in three years
Stephen Maguire claimed the Northern Ireland Trophy with a 9-5 victory over Fergal O'Brien in Belfast.
The Scot had battled back from an early 2-1 deficit to lead 4-3 after an even afternoon session at the Waterfront Hall.
He then pulled away in the evening action, claiming five of the seven frames played to secure the victory and a cheque for £30,000.
It is Maguire's third ranking title - he has also won at the UK and European Open - but is his first in three years.
Unbelievable
"It's unbelievable winning this title, it really is another dream come true," said Maguire.
"I'm over the moon, it's been a long time coming. It's been nearly three years since I've won a title and I've beat some great players all week.
"I'm just really pleased. I few years ago I was struggling, so to come back and win another title is fantastic."
Irishman O'Brien - who had knocked out Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals - had held an early lead thanks to a run of 84 in the third frame.
However, he found himself trailing at the end of the opening session as Maguire rallied, including a stunning break of 135 in the fifth.
It could have been a bigger cushion for the 26-year-old Glaswegian but a missed long red meant he led by just one.
However, the world No 10 won three of the four frames before the evening interval to establish a healthy three-frame cushion. He sealed the win with a break of 56 in the 14th.
Great week
Despite losing, O'Brien - whose last and only ranking event win came in 1999 at the British Open - was not too downhearted after an excellent week.
"I think the better man won at the end of the day. I've had a great week, so I can't complain," he said.
"I didn't do much wrong to be honest. I missed a couple, but I wouldn't say I played terrible.
"It was great out there. I enjoyed it, hopefully now this is the norm. I don't want to be waiting another eight years for a final."
