Mark Selby produced a masterclass in jitters and countenance to beat Judd Trump 10- 8 in a thrilling UK Championship final in York on Sunday.
The four-time World Champion looked to be cruising at colourful stages, contending for early leads of 5- 0 and later 7- 2. But the world number one, Trump, was far from done.
He offered a sensational comeback, winning five of the coming six frames to constrict Selby’s lead to a tense 8- 7 and keep suckers on the edge of their seats.
Selby Beats Trump in UK Snooker Final
As the match entered its final stages, miscalculations began to creep in from both players. Selby, 9-8 ahead, demanded just one frame to clinch the match, while Trump needed two.
The pressure was palpable, with each shot drawing audible gasps from the York crowd. In the end, it was Selby’s calm under pressure that saw him claim the 18th frame out of a possible 19, winning his third UK Championship title alongside his 2012 and 2016 triumphs.
MARK SELBY RULES AT THE YORK BARBICAN!
He pieced together a masterful winning break to beat Judd Trump and claim the 2025 UK Championship!
What a week it has been #UKChampionship | @allbritish_ pic.twitter.com/FxqbXumS73
— WST (@WeAreWST) December 7, 2025
“To win another Triple Crown event, they’re not easy to win, as you can tell; it took me nine years to get back here.
Judd put me under pressure, I was a bit all over the place towards the end, I don’t know how I managed to make it [the winning break],” Selby.
At 7-2, Selby’s dominance seemed unshakable, but errors crept in, giving Trump a window to fight back. The 11th frame proved particularly dramatic.
After a foul by Trump, Selby was awarded a free ball, but in a remarkable show of sportsmanship, he disputed the decision.
Trump then fluked a red while attempting to escape a snooker, taking a frame that lasted nearly 39 minutes, showing why he is considered one of snooker’s most dangerous competitors.
Selby Holds Nerve in Snooker Showdown
Despite the late rally, Trump was unable to defend his 2024 UK Championship title. “It wasn’t me playing amazing, Mark let me back in a little bit, he was brilliant at the start, and I just dragged him down at the end,” Trump admitted.
INCREDIBLE!
In the heat of battle, Mark Selby produces a class moment of sportsmanship.
What happened next is unbelievable!#UKChampionship | @victorianplumb pic.twitter.com/irhduE0rAY
— WST (@WeAreWST) December 7, 2025
“It’s hard to get over the line in these finals, but I think Mark was the best player all week; he played very, very well, and he thoroughly deserved his win.
It’s been a good week, brilliant tournament, great crowd, and I look forward to coming back next year.”
Selby’s palm underscored his character as one of snooker’s most flexible and educated players.
His capability to stay composed in high-pressure frames highlights why he continues to dominate the Triple Crown events.
suckers were treated to an absorbing spectacle that showcased some of the finest snooker in recent times, complete with whim-whams- wracking moments, political battles, and brilliant shot- timber.
