Selby Triumphs Over Trump to Secure Third UK Championship Title
Mark Selby clinched his third UK Championship title with a hard-fought victory over defending champion Judd Trump. This triumph secured Selby’s status as one of the top players in snooker, adding to his impressive collection of rankings titles.
Match Highlights
Selby started the match with remarkable skill, racing to an early 5-0 lead. Trump managed to narrow the gap, closing in to 6-2. However, the match took a turn during a pivotal 11th frame.
Controversial Moments
In the 11th frame, Selby was initially awarded a free ball by referee Olivier Marteel. After Trump’s protest, both players agreed to reconsider the call, leading to the decision being reversed. Television replays and insights from six-time world champion Steve Davis indicated that the original decision may have been correct.
Following this moment, Trump capitalized on his newfound momentum, claiming a fluked red and then executing his first century of the match. This brought a sense of tension and uncertainty to the match’s outcome.
Final Stages of the Match
- Selby extended his lead to 8-5 with a break of 91.
- Trump responded strongly, making a break of 125 followed by 55, narrowing the score to 8-7.
- In the closing frames, both players exchanged rounds with high tension.
Eventually, the 42-year-old Selby maintained his composure, sealing his victory with a decisive break of 69.
Significance of the Win
With this win, Selby not only claimed the top prize of £250,000 but also solidified his position as a leading figure in snooker. The 25th ranking event victory further underscores his return to form and endurance in the competitive landscape of the sport.
