ALI Carter suffered disappointment in the final of snooker's German Masters, losing 9-6 against Anthony Hamilton.
The Colchester-born potter led 5-2 before being pegged back in Berlin.
It was Hamilton's first ranking title and his run to the final - his first since the 2002 China Open - included wins over the world number one and two, Mark Selby and Stuart Bingham.
The Nottingham potter, who briefly dropped off the main tour last year, was embraced by his father and mother as the crowd gave him a standing ovation after his victory.
"Dreams are made of this," he said.
"It's been a fantastic week and I just can't ask for any more than this.
"I don't know what to do with the trophy as I've never had one."
World number 14 Carter, who grew up in Tiptree, said: "Anthony played really well.
"He thoroughly deserved it. I'm delighted for him."
Carter has twice been a World Championship runner-up and won four ranking titles - the most recent being last summer's World Open.
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