Mark Allen had withstood a remarkable comeback from Judd Trump to win the World Grand Prix with a 10-9 victory in Cheltenham.
Trump battled back from 7-2 adrift to level the match at 8-8, but the Masters champion squandered chances in the final frame to let in Allen to claim one of the most notable triumphs of his career.
After dropping the first frame, Trump hit back to edge ahead with a 74 break, but Allen replied with an 88 and 63 to move into a 4-2 advantage.
Two more frames further extended Allen's lead at the interval, and the top seed returned in the evening to make another 88, moving him three away from the trophy.
However, Trump, perhaps playing with reduced pressure on his shoulders, compiled a masterful 140 break to stop the rot, before immediately following it with a 108.
Immense bottle under the most intense pressure.
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The remarkable show of quality continued as Allen produced his own 141 to claim an 8-4 lead at the interval, but a clearance of 87 helped Trump get back to within two frames.
A fluke proved pivotal in Trump getting back on level terms, a 58 break following that moment of good fortune, and although Allen got his nose back in front, Trump responded with a 76 to take the match and tournament the distance.
In a nerve-jangling decider, both players missed what appeared to be routine shots, the most costly error coming from Trump as it allowed Allen to build a lead which left Trump requiring several snookers.
Rather than attempt to pull off an unlikely revival, Trump shook hands with his opponent, allowing Allen to get over the line and continue a run which has seen him win three of the last five ranking events.
Darren Plant
