Mark Selby ended a four-year wait for a major title by defeating world No. 1 Judd Trump 10-8 in the UK Championship final at the Barbican Centre in York. The victory secured Selby's third UK Championship crown and his first 'triple crown' title since 2021.
Selby stormed into a 5-0 lead in the opening session with five consecutive half-century breaks. Trump fought back, reducing the deficit to 5-1 and later to 6-2 by the end of the afternoon session. Selby extended his lead to 7-2 after the resumption, but Trump responded by winning three frames in a row, including a controversial 11th frame where Selby showed sportsmanship by accepting Trump's protest over a free ball decision.
Trump compiled centuries of 105 and 124 to stay within reach at 8-6, and later closed to 8-7 and 9-8. However, Selby held his nerve, producing a crucial break of 69 in the 18th frame to clinch the match. The 42-year-old had previously struggled with depression and considered retirement after a first-round exit at the 2024 World Championship.
The win marks Selby's return to form after a difficult period, and he expressed relief at finally adding another major trophy to his collection. Trump, the defending champion, was left to rue missed opportunities as Selby's resilience proved decisive.
