Neil Robertson became the first ever Australian World Champion with an 18-13 defeat of Graeme Dott to surpass the achievements of fellow countryman, Eddie Charlton who reached the final in 1975.
Robertson also climbs to a career high of no.2 in the world rankings after claiming his fifth ranking event title. It�s the 28-year-olds second title of the season and he has now won a title in each of the last four seasons.
Cheered on by his Mum Alison, who had shown tremendous faith by undertaking the 12,000 mile trip when her son led Ali Carter 15-9 in their semi-final clash, Robertson was warmly embraced after the final pot.
As he posed for pictures draped in an Australian flag, Robertson was clearly delighted.
Robertson trailed after the first session, Dott who had a tremendous run to the final and secured his place amongst the elite with his semi-final victory over Mark Selby, started strongly to lead 5-3. The Australian then turned it around to lead 9-7 and 12-10 after sessions two and three.
Dott did claim the final frame of the truncated third session with the highest break of the match and the only century, a 112 brought him within two frames of Robertson.
The last session was a real tussle but after the Cambridge based potter had secured frame 29, a 48 minute affair the energy seemed to drain out of his opponent and the title was in reach.
The Thunder from down Under was a popular winner with the packed Crucible crowd but they rose to salute a worthy challenger who couldn�t quite raise his game for a second World title.
