In a stunning display of sporting integrity, snooker legend Mark Selby chose fair play over a crucial advantage during the tense UK Championship final against Judd Trump. The incident, which drew a standing ovation from the Barbican crowd in York, became the defining moment of the match on Sunday, 7th December 2025.
The Moment of Truth at the Barbican
Mark Selby, the 42-year-old 'Jester from Leicester', was leading the defending champion and World Number One Judd Trump 7-3 in frames. Chasing a historic 16th triple crown title, Selby was in a commanding position. The pivotal moment arrived in the 11th frame. With Trump ahead by 14 points, Selby executed a superb snooker, leaving his opponent in serious trouble.
Trump missed the red, and the cue ball came to rest in a position where the yellow ball appeared to obstruct the path. Referee Olivier Marteel meticulously examined the angles before making a contentious call. He awarded Selby a free ball, a decision which visibly frustrated Trump at the table.
Selby Overrules the Referee
In an extraordinary turn of events, Selby did not accept the ruling. Instead of seizing what could have been a match-defining opportunity, he surveyed the table himself. He then informed the official that he believed he had a clear shot at the red, effectively agreeing with Trump's protest.
Referee Marteel, after hearing Selby's assessment, graciously conceded, stating, "You agree with Judd? Okay, I stand corrected." The sportsmanlike gesture was met with immediate and respectful applause from the captivated audience in York. Snooker icon Steve Davis later analysed the incident, supporting the referee's original call but praising Selby's integrity.
"It was a free ball. The referee got it right," Davis said. "The closest you could get to the yellow meant you couldn't hit the extreme edge of the right hand side of the red."
The Dramatic Aftermath and Final Outcome
Had Selby taken the free ball, he would have been strongly favoured to win the frame and extend his lead to 8-3, moving within two frames of the title. By turning it down, he left the door open for Trump. The World Number One capitalised, winning the frame to narrow the gap to 7-4 and later 7-5, setting up a thrilling finale.
Selby managed to steady himself, taking the 13th frame to lead 8-5. Trump fought back valiantly with a superb 125 break to make it 8-6 and then 8-7, but Selby ultimately held his nerve to claim the 16th frame and a 9-7 victory, securing the UK Championship trophy.
This act of honesty, in the white-hot heat of a major final, transcended the result. It served as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted values of sportsmanship and respect that remain at the heart of snooker, earning Mark Selby plaudits far beyond the baize.
