Mark Selby has ended a four-year wait for a major snooker trophy by defeating world number one Judd Trump in a gripping final at the UK Championship in York. The Leicester player secured a 10-8 victory at the Barbican Centre to claim his third UK title, marking a significant return to form after a period of personal and professional challenges.
A Stunning Start and a Tense Fightback
The final began in spectacular fashion for Selby, who raced into a commanding 5-0 lead during the opening session. He built this seemingly insurmountable advantage on the back of five consecutive breaks of 50 points or more, showcasing the dominant form that once made him the sport's top player.
However, Judd Trump, the defending champion, is renowned for his resilience. The world number one stirred into life, chiselling away at the deficit with breaks of 74 and 75. Despite missing opportunities to close the gap further in the final frame of the afternoon, Trump ensured he trailed only 6-2 at the mid-session interval, keeping his hopes alive.
Trump's Resurgence and Selby's Nerve
When play resumed, Selby extended his lead to 7-2, but the momentum began to shift dramatically. Trump won a dramatic and error-strewn 11th frame, aided by a notable act of sportsmanship from Selby. After Trump disputed a free ball decision, Selby accepted the protest, leading to a re-rack from which Trump fluked the final red to pull back to 7-4.
Trump then raised his game further, firing in two century breaks of 105 and 124 either side of a cool 91 from Selby. As Selby showed signs of pressure, missing key pots, Trump closed to within a single frame at 8-7 and then 9-8, setting up a nail-biting finale.
A Hard-Earned Triumph and Emotional Return
With the title on the line, Selby demonstrated his champion's mentality. After a costly error in the 17th frame, he composed himself to produce a hard-earned break of 69 in the next, sealing the 10-8 win and the trophy. This victory represents Selby's first 'triple crown' title – the World Championship, the Masters, and the UK Championship – since his 2021 World Championship win.
The triumph holds profound personal significance for the 42-year-old, who has been open about his battles with depression following his fourth world title in 2021. He endured a full season without a ranking title and even considered retirement after a defeat at the Crucible in 2024. This victory in York signals a powerful and emotional return to the pinnacle of the sport.
For Judd Trump, it was a case of a comeback that fell just short. The world number one was forced into a rearguard action from the outset and, despite producing moments of brilliant scoring, could not complete what would have been a remarkable turnaround.
