Northern Irish legend Ronan McCarthy won arguably the greatest title of his career when he came back to defeat Yannick Beaufils 10-8 in the final and claim the 2022 WEPF World Masters on the Emerald Isle.

One of the sport’s most popular figures, McCarthy is also one of the most decorated having enjoyed a top-level career spanning well over three decades. However, in front of family, friends and teammates at The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, this particular victory will taste very sweet.

Well over 200 players started out the prestigious competition, aiming to join an illustrious list of former winners.

McCarthy eliminated Arun Deol (India) 7-4, Clayton Castaldi (Malta) 7-3 and Videsh Sabarwal (India) 7-2 in the early rounds to make it through to the last 32 and Finals Day.

“The Babe” then saw off rising star Cormac Kerr (Ireland) 7-5 before wins over Colin Holmes (Ireland) 8-1, Stevie Dempsey (Ireland) 8-3, and then 2017 winner Josh Kane (England) 9-5 in the last four to reach the final for the first time.

In-form Beaufils was in the opposite corner for the title match. The French ace – a WEPF World Championship Finalist in 2002 – was aiming for a maiden WEPF major accolade over two decades on. Like McCarthy, testament to his remarkable longevity within the sport.

Beaufils dropped just two frames in his opening two rounds before wins over Elliot Combe (Wales) 7-5, Lydan Debono (Malta) 8-4, Richard Gifford (Wales) 8-6 and Declan Brennan (Northern Ireland) 9-3 – ultimately denying a final between two playing partners.

Played in an electric atmosphere with both legions of fans being respectful but supportive, there was never more than a frame between the finalists until Beaufils established a 5-3 lead.

With McCarthy unable to get a rhythm, Beaufils had the better of the middle stages, moving to 8-5 ahead and just two away from victory.

McCarthy, though, came good when it mattered the most and started producing his best pool. He reduced his arrears to one at 8-7 and, when Beaufils unexpectedly rattled his final colour in Frame 16, capitalised to level up at 8-8.

The Kircubbin cueist then recorded a break clearance in Frame 17 to take the lead for the first time since 2-1, and when Beaufils broke dry in the next, he coolly constructed a precise reverse clearance to secure a memorable and emotional triumph.

McCarthy is the first Northern Irish winner of the WEPF World Masters and the twelve different winner of the title overall.