Ronnie O'Sullivan joked "I feel like retiring" after edging Judd Trump 10-9 in a nail-biting final to claim his fifth UK Championship title.
O'Sullivan led 9-4 at one stage of Sunday's contest at York's Barbican Centre, only for Trump to reel off five frames in succession, taking the match to a deciding frame.
But O'Sullivan, who broke his ankle while jogging shortly before the tournament, produced a break of 51 to claim victory.
"I can't believe I've won it. I don't want to be playing him in every final. I feel like retiring," said the 39-year-old, who has also won five World Championships and five Masters titles.
"He's a tough opponent, he's very dynamic and very explosive. He's fearless, and he's in your face the whole time, and if you go off the boil, he's on you.
"I'm trying to make the most of however long this lasts. I'm going to enjoy this moment. I've won the Champion of Champions title and now the UK Championship.
"I'm delighted to have had a great few weeks and I can start to think about defending the Masters in January."
Victory crowned a glorious year for O'Sullivan, with the only dark spot being a loss to Mark Selby in the World Championship final in May.
His triumph against Trump earned him £150,000 ($234,000) in prize money, to go with the £44,000 he was awarded for a 147 break against Matt Selt earlier in the tournament.
Trump, 25, said: "I left it too late and fair play to Ronnie -- he took them well in the last frame and overall he was more of a deserving winner."