Plan C leaves Hunter the master

Paul Hunter became only the third player to retain the Benson and Hedges Masters title when he fought back from 5-0 down to beat Mark Williams 10-9 in yesterday's final at Wembley.

Hunter followed in the footsteps of Cliff Thorburn (in 1986) and Stephen Hendry (1993). His reward was a record £190,000 first prize. Williams, a 10-9 Wembley winner over Hendry in 1998, pocketed £95,000.

Hunter, unbeaten in 2002 after collecting the Welsh Open title two weeks ago, can now emulate Hendry as the only player to complete a hat-trick of wins in the final Masters next year.

For the second successive year, his fiancee Lyndsey Fell played a key part.

She was involved in what he called his 'Plan B' 12 months ago when he recovered from 6-2 and 7-3 down to defeat Fergal O'Brien in a deciding 19th frame.

It comprised Hunter spending a few hours alone with Lyndsey in his hotel bedroom between sessions.

And the same plan worked again last night as the 23-year-old Yorkshireman fought back from a 5-3 interval deficit after earlier being 5-0 adrift.

"I did exactly the same as last year," said Hunter.

"You can draw your own conclusions what happened. It seems to work though - maybe this year it should be called Plan C." Hunter's great start to the year has sent him to the top of the season's money list with £324,000. He is now one of the favourites for the world championship at Sheffield in April.

"I am confident for Sheffield but it is a long 17 days and it's going to be tough if I want to win it," said the world No 9.

"But I've got it in me to win it, maybe not this year, but I'm sure I will do one day.

"I've had some long matches here but my dad reckons I'm not fit enough and that I should go down to the gym."

Williams said: "I hope I can put a defeat like this out of my mind, otherwise it could set me back for the rest of the season."