Selby Seals UK championship Glory In Narrow, Controversy-Scarred Final
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In a tense showdown at the UK Championship, Mark Selby edged past defending champion Judd Trump to claim the trophy and the £250,000 top prize. The victory came after Selby opened with a commanding 5-0 surge, only for Trump to claw his way back and force a gripping finish.
The match swung dramatically after the resumption, when a contentious 11th frame decision sparked debate. Selby was initially awarded a free ball by the referee, but the ruling was later reversed following protests from Trump that the ball was not free. Television replays and commentary from former world champions offered mixed opinions on the call, underscoring how one moment can influence momentum in a long encounter.
Trump capitalised on the upheaval,breaking clear with a century in the subsequent frame as momentum shifted. Yet Selby responded with a telling 91, moving 8-5 ahead and signalling his intent to close out the match. The defending champion refused to fold, compiling runs of 125 and 55 to move within one frame at 8-7, setting up a dramatic finale.
In a nerve-jangling endgame, the two traded frames before Selby steadied himself with a composed 69-break to seal the win. The triumph marks a defining moment in Selby’s career as he secured the UK Championship title, a prize he chased for years, while Trump left the arena empty-handed in a match that will be debated by snooker circles for weeks.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | UK Championship final |
| Final score | selby 9, Trump 7 |
| Lead sequence | Selby led 5-0; Trump narrowed to 6-2; Trump later reached 8-7; Selby finished 9-7 |
| Controversy | 11th frame free-ball call overturned after protest; debate among pundits |
| Turning moment | Trump’s century followed by Selby’s 91 to pull ahead; final frames decided by Selby’s 69 break |
| Prize | £250,000 top prize |
| Career note | 25th ranking-event win for selby |
Evergreen takeaways for snooker fans
The match showcased how momentum can pivot on a single call and the discipline required to finish strong in a major final. Selby’s ability to respond after a back-and-forth sequence demonstrated the importance of staying calm under pressure and converting chances in the closing frames. the episode also highlighted how refereeing decisions, even when debated, can become part of the narrative of a high-stakes contest.
For fans,the clash underlined two enduring truths in snooker: early control can set the tone,but resilience frequently enough decides the outcome in the later stages. It also reminded players and observers that competitive sport thrives on moments of controversy, doubt, and redemption-all of which were on display in this UK Championship final.
Two questions for readers
Do you think the overturned 11th-frame decision changed the trajectory of the match?
Which frame do you believe was the turning point that ultimately decided the title?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us who you think emerged as the tournament’s defining performer.
stay with us for more post-match analysis, reaction, and future scheduling as players continue to chase snooker’s global stages.
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