Champion hurdler Hurricane Fly has brought the house down at Punchestown, powering to his 20th Grade One win.

Seemingly not the force of old at the end of last season, the Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old returned to his best on Sunday as he gained revenge on current two-mile king Jezki to win his third Morgiana Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh was happy to sit third for much of the journey as prolific mare Little King Robin opened up a big advantage in her usual front-running style, with Jezki in second.

The big two eventually loomed large and, while a mistake two out could have caused problems for Hurricane Fly (15-8), he was soon back moving with menace.

As the principals settled down to fight it out, Hurricane Fly pinged the last and strode away on the flat to win by 2-1/4 lengths.

"When we took the rug off him in the parade ring many onlookers felt he was a bit heavy. But his homework suggested he was stronger than last year," Mullins said.

"The onus was on the champion (Jezki) to deal with the pace, and it was easier for us to ride our race. It won't be always that easy through the season. Tactically we had the advantage today."