Mark Selby has ended a four-year wait for a major snooker title by defeating world number one Judd Trump in a gripping UK Championship final at the Barbican Centre in York.
A Dream Start and a Nerve-Shredding Finish
The 42-year-old from Leicester stormed into a formidable 5-0 lead during the opening session, powered by five consecutive half-century breaks. However, Trump, the defending champion, refused to surrender and mounted a courageous comeback, twice reducing Selby's advantage to a single frame.
The contest reached a critical juncture in the 17th frame when Selby, with victory in sight, missed a golden opportunity to clear the table. Yet, showing immense resilience, he composed himself to craft a hard-earned 69 break in the next frame, sealing a dramatic 10-8 victory and lifting the trophy for the third time in his career.
Trump's Valiant Rearguard Action
Judd Trump, appearing in his fifth UK final, was forced into a rearguard action from the outset. He finally found his rhythm with breaks of 74 and 75 to stay in touch, trailing 6-2 after the first session. After the interval, Trump elevated his game significantly, producing two century breaks of 105 and 124 to keep the pressure on Selby.
The match featured a notable act of sportsmanship in the 11th frame. When Trump disputed a free ball awarded to Selby by referee Olivier Marteel, Selby accepted the protest. The balls were replaced, and Trump subsequently fluked the final red to win the frame, closing the gap to 7-4.
A Triumph of Perseverance
This victory marks a significant and emotional return to the pinnacle of the sport for Selby. Since winning his fourth world title in 2021, he has spoken openly about his battles with depression, endured a season without a ranking title, and even contemplated retirement after a defeat at the Crucible in 2024.
This UK Championship win is his first Triple Crown title since 2021, signalling that the player known as "The Jester from Leicester" is firmly back amongst snooker's elite. Despite showing signs of pressure as Trump charged back to 9-8, Selby's experience and determination ultimately saw him over the line in a classic final.
