Inglis Drever, winner in 2005, became just the fourth horse to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for a second time at Cheltenham on Thursday.
The 5-1 shot, ridden by Paddy Brennan, came to the front at the final flight and fought off a strong challenge from Mighty Man.
Mighty Man was three-quarters of a length back with Blazing Bailey finishing third.
Favourite Black Jack Ketchum and Tony McCoy, fell at the third fence.
Inglis Drever and Mighty Man both seemed to be struggling early on and neither looked like taking a hand until the race began in earnest.
The winner, who became the first horse to regain his crown since Crimson Embers 21 years ago, was being driven vigorously a long way out and did not move into contention until the field descended the hill.
Brennan suddenly found himself in front on the run to the last and Inglis Drever delivered a grand jump when required.
606: DEBATE
Mighty Man was less fluent at the final obstacle but Richard Johnson pressed the winner all the way to the line.
Blazing Bailey had travelled best of the three until the straight and ran a bold race for a five-year-old.
Durham trainer Howard Johnson, who had got the eight-year-old back to fitness after a tendon injury was delighted with the win.
"Paddy Brennan got it right today didn't he? It's super, I'm over the moon," he said.
"Days like this make it all worthwhile, hopefully he'll be back next year before he gets too old like me!"
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3m)
1. Inglis Drever (PJ Brennan) 5-1
2. Mighty Man (Richard Johnson) 100-30
3. Blazing Bailey (Robert Thornton) 8-1
14 ran. Dist: ¾, 4