Ash Mair wins Masterchef: the Professionals 2011

Ash Mair has been named the winner of Masterchef: the Professionals.

Judges Michel Roux Jr and Gregg Wallace gave the title to Mair at the end of the final cook off, which saw the finalists prepare a three course menu of their own design.

Mair's Spanish influenced dishes included a starter of roasted monkfish tail with black lentils and Basque piperade; roast rump of lamb with braised lamb neck potato croquette, artichoke and anchovy; and a dessert of torrija, a Spanish bread and butter pudding with apricots and almonds, served with vanilla parfait.

Roux Jr described the 34-year old chef as a "supreme talent".

"He pushes himself to the absolute limit, and always delivers. Ash has got the gift, the gift of culinary genius. His food is outstanding," said Roux.

Tasmanian-born Mair saw off stiff competition from Steve Barringer and Claire Hutchings to take the title in last night's season finale.

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By Janie Stamford

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