MasterChef 2017 winner crowned by just one point
Diana Chan has won MasterChef Australia in 2017 after a nail-biting finish that saw her triumph by just one point.
In a three-round challenge that spanned several hours, the 29-year-old accountant from Victoria scored 90, edging out Queensland retail manager Ben Ungermann who fell short at 89 points.
Chan wins $250,000 to start her food dream and a monthly food column in Delicious magazine.
“I have been inundated with amazing opportunities and it’s time for me to take some time out and filter through them to make sure I pick one that matches my goals,” Chan said after her victory.
Chan sailed through the first two rounds, leading by three points, before Ungermann managed to close the gap in the final round.
Ungermann was hampered throughout the cook by a deep cut to his left thumb which occurred a mere 35 minutes into the first round.
“I’m not going to make any excuses,” Ungermann says. “I was just cutting butter with a knife. I don’t know whether it was the nerves. It was pretty deep and it did rattle me. I lost a lot of cooking time.”
We're not crying, we're just allergic to the feels! 😭 #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/C88Q2xeYQw
— #MasterChefAU (@masterchefau) July 24, 2017
The emotional moment both contestants were surprised by their family.
In the end, it came down to a pressure test set by chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs. The finalists were tasked with recreating Tibballs’ Trio of Fruits dessert over six gruelling hours.
The dessert, which even judge George Calombaris called “diabolic”, challenged both contestants – nearly breaking both of them at various points – but the cooks rose to the occasion, plating up desserts that impressed the judges.
Chan plans to open a “fresh and casual” restaurant in inner Melbourne after a win that even surprised her. She said she never believed she could take out the top prize.
"It's something I always dreamed of but never thought would happen," she said.
Chan believes it’s her ability remain calm under pressure and focus that ultimately won her the coveted title.
"I reminded myself that there was no point panicking," she said. "I believe I handled the pressure pretty well. I do my best when I'm calm and confident."