Mark Selby has been crowned the UK Snooker Champion for a third time after a dramatic and high-quality 10-8 victory over world number one Judd Trump at the Barbican Centre in York. The final, played on Sunday, December 7, 2025, saw the 42-year-old Leicester potter lift the trophy and secure the £250,000 top prize after surviving a fierce comeback from the defending champion.
A Commanding Start and a Nervy Finish
Selby, arriving in York on the back of winning the Champion of Champions last month, produced a blistering start to the final. He dominated the early session, compiling breaks of 77, 51, 97, 70, and a superb 105 to race into a 5-0 lead. Trump, struggling to find his rhythm, eventually got on the board with runs of 74 and 75, but Selby took the final frame of the afternoon to establish a commanding 6-2 lead.
The evening session, however, told a different story. Despite losing the first frame to trail 7-2, Trump mounted a serious challenge. Showcasing his immense talent, he won five of the next six frames with breaks including 62, 105, and 125 to close the gap to 8-7, turning the match into a tense affair.
Composure Under Pressure Seals the Deal
Selby responded to the pressure with a break of 77 to move within one frame of victory at 9-7. Yet, with the winning line in sight, he faltered in the 17th frame, missing a straightforward red that would have sealed the title. Trump capitalised to pinch the frame and narrow the deficit to 9-8, setting up a grandstand finish.
Faced with a tricky table in what could have been the deciding frame, Selby demonstrated why he is considered one of the game's toughest competitors. He composed himself to craft a magnificent, match-winning break of 69 under immense pressure, finally crossing the line to claim his tenth Triple Crown title.
Reaction and Aftermath
In his post-match interview, a delighted Selby said, "Amazing. To win another Triple Crown event, they're not easy to win. Great to win again here in York. Love the city, love the venue and the crowd has been amazing all week." He added that winning one of snooker's three major tournaments remains his primary goal each season.
A gracious Judd Trump, who collects £100,000 as runner-up, conceded, "He was brilliant at the start... I think Mark was the best player all week, he played very, very well and thoroughly deserved his win." The result means the world number one will end the 2025 calendar year without a title, the first time that has happened since 2013.
The victory marks Selby's third UK Championship title, adding to his previous wins in 2012 and 2016. His complete Triple Crown haul now stands at:
- World Championship: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021
- UK Championship: 2012, 2016, 2025
- The Masters: 2008, 2010, 2013
The match was also notable for a moment of sportsmanship in the 11th frame, where Selby declined to take a free ball after Trump queried the referee's call, a decision that ultimately cost him the frame but won widespread praise.
