Chinese debutant Yan Bingtao clinched the Snooker Masters title on January 17, becoming the youngest Masters champion since Ronnie O'Sullivan won the event in 1995 at the age of 19.

The 20-year-old became the second Asian winner of the prestigious tournament, showing maturity beyond his years to defeat four-time world champion John Higgins 10-8 in an enthralling final in Milton Keynes, the United Kingdom.

"I thought I might win, and I even thought how I would celebrate. But when the victory came, I was calm," Yan said.

The win earned him 250,000 pounds ($340,000), and in many observers' estimations, has transformed the Chinese No.2 into a contender for the world championship in April.

Yan joined the pro tour in 2016 and has been steadily improving with a championship last season.