Monday 27 July 2015 08:58, UK
Michael van Gerwen claimed his first World Matchplay title after a convincing victory over James Wade in the final.
The Dutchman bolstered his reputation as the world's best player with a dominant performance against Wade, firing in a string of blistering finishes on the way to an 18-12 win on Sunday night in Blackpool.
Just 12 months ago, Van Gerwen had departed the stage in tears following a painful final defeat by Phil Taylor, but with his conqueror absent after a semi-final exit, Van Gerwen took out his angst on Wade at the Winter Gardens.
The Aldershot man had showcased his best form while ousting Taylor and snatched an early 4-2 lead with a two-dart 61 combination.
But Van Gerwen was not behind for long, compiling legs in a blur of bright green, and levelled the match at 6-6 following a classy 127 checkout.
Suddenly Wade's sights were slipping as he became increasingly flustered with his finishing and Van Gerwen gleefully pinched a couple of legs for an 8-6 lead.
A 144 finish propelled the man known as the 'Green Machine' further in front and he blasted out 180s at the start of legs to heap more strain on the wilting Wade.
Lifting the elusive trophy suddenly seemed a simple task as Van Gerwen collected three more legs, including another crucial break, for a 15-9 lead.
Wade, a title winner in 2007, was a mere bystander in the closing stages of this showpiece and his occasional legs just delayed Van Gerwen's coronation.
The world no 1 scorched towards victory with his ninth 180 and then took out double 20 to secure a maiden crown and the £100,000 winner's cheque.
