World number one Luke Humphries defended his Players Championship title with an 11-7 victory over teenager Luke Littler in Minehead.
Humphries, who defeated Littler win the world title in January he averaged 103.69 and soared with joy when he was back on top.
The 29-year-old, who also won the World Matchplay this year, is only the second player after Michael van Gerwen to defend the Players title.
It was the third major final involving the pair after Littler defeated Humphries and landed Premier League in May.
Littler was seeking his 11th title in a remarkable debut season, winning the Grand Slam trophy this month after winning the Grand Slam trophy this month as a professional and second in the major television ratings.
The 17-year-old, supported by a noisy audience, was eager to beat Humphries, who was not in the best form during the tournament in Somerset, but improved his level in the final.
“I’m really proud of that because I didn’t feel like I was playing smart this week,” said Humphries, who repeatedly raised the trophy in front of the crowd while confetti rained down on him.
“There’s something Luke does to you. He really motivates me and makes me want to be a better player. I like playing with him.”
Humphries had to come back from a 6-2 deficit to beat Dirk van Duijvenbode 11-8 in the semi-final, having previously beaten Ryan Joyce 10-5.
“I was very lucky in the match against Dirk, but I took advantage of my luck, got to the final and found myself in my comfort zone,” he added.
I live for and dream about these big matches, and being the main champion is what I do it all for.
“If you look at the statistics, Luke is certainly the best player in the world, but there is something in me that never gives up.
“He made me feel a little hungrier, I need to practice more, try harder, because if no one sticks with him, he will win everything. I believe we are the two best players in the world.”
