Mark Selby etched his name deeper into snooker history on Sunday, capturing his third UK Championship title with a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Judd Trump in York. The dramatic clash saw Selby fend off a determined comeback attempt from the world number one to claim the £250,000 top prize.
The four-time world champion dominated early proceedings, racing to a 5-0 lead with clinical precision before settling at 6-2 after the first session. "Winning one of the three Triple Crown events is my annual target," Selby told BBC Sport. "These tournaments define careers—like tennis Grand Slams—so I'm thrilled to add another."
Trump mounted a spirited challenge after the interval, narrowing the gap to 8-7 behind breaks of 125 and 55. The match took a contentious turn in the 11th frame when referee Olivier Marteel reversed a free ball decision after Selby agreed with Trump's protest—a call later disputed by replays and snooker legend Steve Davis.
Despite Trump's resurgence, Selby sealed his 25th career ranking title with a cool-headed 69 break in the deciding frame. The win moves him ahead of John Higgins on the all-time Triple Crown list, now trailing only Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, and Steve Davis.
For Trump, the defeat marks his third runner-up finish this season and ends a remarkable 12-year streak of winning at least one title annually. "It’s been a struggle," admitted Trump, who cited equipment adjustments and disrupted practice routines. "I’ll regroup and aim to rediscover my spark."
The victory signals a resurgence for Selby, who has battled mental health challenges and contemplated retirement in recent years. "When I stop enjoying snooker, I’ll quit," he said. "But winning like this reminds me why I love the sport."
Both players now turn their attention to January’s Masters, where Selby will enter as a favorite and Trump seeks redemption after a rare trophy-less year.
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