Selby holds off Trump fightback in UK final to end four-year wait for major trophy

Selby Fights Back from Brink of Disaster to Claim Historic UK Championship Title

Mark Selby's remarkable comeback story took another dramatic turn as he fought off a valiant challenge from Judd Trump to clinch the 2023 UK Championship title in a nail-biting finale at York's Barbican Centre.

Trailing 5-0, Trump staged an improbable fightback in the opening session, twice narrowing the deficit to single-frame advantage and sending shockwaves through the crowd. However, Selby dug deep to reclaim the initiative, displaying flashes of his old self as he cruised into a seemingly insurmountable lead on the back of five consecutive half-centuries.

Despite Trump's best efforts, including two centuries - 105 and 124 respectively - Selby showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The Leicester star twice missed blacks off their spots, but ultimately weathered a late storm to stay ahead at 8-6 down.

The turning point came in the 17th frame, where Trump was awarded a free ball after Selby disputed the referee's decision. Trump capitalised on the reprieve, pulling within one at 9-8 and sending the crowd into raptures.

However, Selby refused to yield. With the title within his grasp, he produced an inspired display of potting, culminating in a clutch 69 that sealed the deal and sent the Barbican Centre into delirium.

Selby's victory marked a stunning redemption arc for a player who had struggled with depression and form over the past four years. After considering retirement following a Crucible defeat in 2024, he has now claimed his third UK Championship title and reasserted himself as one of the sport's top players.

The triumph also brought Selby within touching distance of a "triple crown" - a feat achieved by only a handful of players in history. With this win, he is just a step away from joining an elite club that includes legendary champions like Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Trump, meanwhile, was left to ponder what might have been. Despite his valiant efforts, the world No 1 fell short of the ultimate prize, a testament to Selby's enduring class and competitive spirit.

what a comeback from mark selby he's proven once again why he's one of the best snooker players out there! i was on the edge of my seat during that final session against judd trump selby showed so much heart and mental toughness, especially after trailing 5-0. it's not just about winning, but also about how you respond to adversity now he's so close to that triple crown can't wait to see what the future holds for him

omg u gotta respect mark selby he came from literally 5-0 down & fought all the way back! like i know judd trump played some sick shots but selby just showed more mental toughness especially considering his struggles with depression in the past, it's amazing to see him bounce back like this.

OMG , can't believe Mark Selby made such an epic comeback!!! He was down 5-0 but just refused to give up ! That free ball for Trump was like a gift from the universe , but Selby took it and ran with it . His potting skills were and that final 69 was pure magic . I'm beyond proud of him , he's proven once again why he's one of the best . Trump put up a good fight though , but you can't win 'em all . Selby's redemption story is truly inspiring and now he's just one step away from that "triple crown" !

OMG u guyz cant even... selby was literally dead in the water at 5-0 down but he came back like a phoenix from the ashes!!! that free ball in frame 17 was made for trump but selby somehow managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat his form over the past year has been insane and i'm not surprised he's now just one win away from that triple crown lol what a legend!

OMG I'm literally so hyped for Mark Selby right now ! This comeback story is EVERYTHING! He was literally on the brink of disaster but he just refused to give up . Trump gave him a run for his money but in the end, it was just too much for Judd . I'm not surprised though - we've seen Selby's determination before and it never fails to impress . And can you believe this is his THIRD UK Championship title? The man is a legend! I love how he's not only proven himself as one of the top players but also overcome some personal struggles to get here . Now, let's talk about that "triple crown" - we've gotta see him win a World Snooker Championship next!

still can't believe selby's resilience is on another level, mentally & physically he just kept pushing through when all seemed lost . it's like he had this fire burning inside him the whole time . and that turning point where he gets the free ball was huge . trump put up an incredible fight tho . selby's comeback story is truly inspiring

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this comeback from Mark Selby . Trailing 5-0 is crazy talk, but he somehow turned it around like nothing happened . I need to see the footage of him making those half-centuries though, that's gotta be some incredible skill on display ️.

And what's with the referee's decision in frame 17? Giving Trump a free ball and suddenly turning the game around . Did Selby really get it wrong or was there something fishy going on? I'm definitely looking for more info on that one .

Selby's mental toughness is the real MVP here . Struggling with depression and form, but he keeps his head down and gets back to winning ways . And now he's just one step away from a "triple crown" - that's some serious pressure .

Trump put up a good fight though, no doubts about that . It's tough to lose in a finale like this, especially when you're the world No 1 . I'm curious to see how he bounces back from this. Will he be able to regain his form and dominate again?

I mean, can you believe that? Mark Selby just went from being in a huge hole to digging himself out and coming out on top! It was like he had this fire burning inside him the whole time . And to think, he was struggling with depression and form for years... it's amazing how far he's come now .

I think what really stood out was his mental toughness - he didn't give up even when things seemed impossible . And that 69 in the final frame? Unbelievable! It just shows that with the right mindset and skill, you can overcome any obstacle.

As for Judd Trump, yeah, what a competitor... he gave it his all, but sometimes you just have to tip your cap . He's still an incredible player, but Selby's win is definitely a testament to his own abilities . Can't wait to see what the future holds for these two!

omg cant beleev selby did it again lol i mean hes def one of the greatest snooker players eva i was on the edge of my seat when he came back from 5-0 down didnt think he had it in him anymore but that clutch 69 made all the diff he's gotta be one of the most mentally tough guys in the game to make it through those pressure moments like that anyway congrats selby ur a legend now

OMG, what an incredible comeback by Mark Selby ! I'm still on the edge of my seat thinking about that final frame . He really showed us all what he's made of, proving his doubters wrong once again . The fact that he was down 5-0 and then came back to win it is just mental .

And can we talk about Judd Trump for a sec? I mean, the guy put up an amazing fight, but in the end, Selby's experience and composure paid off . It's a shame he couldn't take home that title, but you've got to respect his effort .

This win is so historic for Selby, and it's amazing to see him back on top after struggling with depression and form . He's truly an inspiration to us all, and I'm loving every minute of this comeback story .

You know, just think about it... Selby's comeback is like life itself, right? We're all going through struggles at some point, feeling like we're staring into an abyss, but then something inside us clicks back on and we find the strength to carry on . And I love how he didn't give up, even when it seemed like all was lost - that's what makes him a true champion, you know? It's not just about winning, but about the journey itself...

Man, I'm still reeling from that final frame . I mean, Trump came back like that? Unbelievable! But at the same time, you gotta respect Selby for not giving up. He's been through some tough times with depression and form issues, but he just dug deep and showed everyone what he's capable of.

I love how this win is proof that he's still got it . I mean, three UK Championship titles? That's insane! And now he's just a step away from joining the "triple crown" club . It's like, what's next for him? Another comeback story?

And Trump... man, he gave it his all . He put on an incredible display of potting, but sometimes that's just not enough . You gotta give credit to Selby for outlasting him and coming out on top.

It's days like these that remind me why I love snooker so much . The drama, the suspense, the skill... it's all just so captivating! And with players like Selby and Trump competing at this level, you know you're in for a wild ride .

OMG, I'M STILL REELING FROM THAT FINAL FRAME!!! SELBY'S RESILIENCE AND CLUTCH SHOOTING WERE INSPIRING!!! HE TRULY DESERVES THIS TITLE AFTER ALL HE'S BEEN THROUGH!!! I'M SO GLAD TO SEE HIM COME BACK FROM THE BRINK OF DISASTER LIKE THAT!!! AND THAT 69 GAVE ME CHILLS!!! TRUMP PLAYED AN AMAZING MATCH, BUT SELBY WAS JUST TOO GOOD ON THE DAY!!!

I'm still on the edge after that thrilling UK Championship final ! Mark Selby's come-from-behind win is truly inspiring - who else can say they've been 5-0 down and still managed to claim the title? His mental toughness is incredible, especially considering all he's been through with depression. He's an absolute legend of the sport, and this win proves he's still got it . Trump put up a great fight, but sometimes you just can't catch a break . Now Selby's got his sights set on that elusive "triple crown" - here's hoping we get to see more magic from him in the future ️!