Mark Selby etched his name into snooker history once more, claiming the UK Championship title for a stunning third time. The Barbican in York witnessed a captivating final, a hard-fought 10-8 victory over a resilient Judd Trump.
Selby, a veteran of the game at 42, arrived in peak form, fresh off a Champion of Champions triumph. He dominated the early stages, showcasing a precision and composure that left his opponent struggling to find a foothold.
Trump, the world number one, possesses undeniable talent, but couldn’t replicate his usual consistency. Despite his renowned match play instincts, he found himself constantly chasing Selby’s lead throughout much of the contest.
The Jester, as Selby is known, built a commanding lead, surging to a 5-0 advantage and later extending it to 7-2. It appeared a swift victory was imminent, but Trump refused to surrender, mounting a remarkable fightback that tested Selby’s nerve.
The momentum shifted dramatically as Trump clawed his way back into the match, narrowing the gap to 9-8. Selby, momentarily faltering, spurned a chance to close out the match at 10-7, adding intense pressure to the final frames.
In a display of unwavering composure, Selby delivered a crucial break of 69 in the deciding frame. The table conditions were challenging, but he navigated them flawlessly, securing the trophy and the substantial £250,000 prize.
Trump, despite the defeat, displayed remarkable sportsmanship. He acknowledged Selby’s brilliance, stating the Jester had been the superior player throughout the week and deserved the victory.
This UK Championship win marks Selby’s tenth Triple Crown title, a testament to his enduring excellence. It’s a significant achievement, representing his first Triple Crown victory in four years and reaffirming his position among snooker’s elite.
The early stages of the final were breathtaking. Selby unleashed a barrage of impressive breaks – 77, 51, 97, 70, and a stunning 105 – to establish his dominant lead. He wasn’t simply outscoring Trump; he was expertly converting opportunities, often snatching frames from behind.
Trump responded with breaks of 74 and 75, briefly halting Selby’s onslaught. However, Selby regained control before the session concluded, extending his advantage to 6-2.
The evening session witnessed a dramatic resurgence from Trump. He won five of the next six frames, including impressive breaks of 62, 105, 125, and 55, narrowing the score to 8-7 and injecting a palpable tension into the arena.
A controversial moment arose in the 11th frame when Trump questioned a referee’s free ball call. Selby surprisingly declined to take the offered shot, ultimately losing the frame, further fueling Trump’s momentum.
Despite the pressure, Selby remained remarkably composed. He responded with a 77, moving within one frame of victory. However, the finish line proved elusive, as a missed red on a simple shot allowed Trump to capitalize and close the gap once more.
Even facing adversity, Selby demonstrated his championship pedigree. He constructed a vital break of 69 in a difficult position, sealing the victory and cementing his status as a snooker legend.
Mark Selby’s Triple Crown Titles:
World Championship: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021
UK Championship: 2012, 2016, 2025
Masters: 2008, 2010, 2013
