The York Barbican witnessed a dramatic UK Championship final on Sunday, culminating in a third title for Mark Selby, but not without a moment of breathtaking sportsmanship that threatened to alter the course of the match.
Selby had surged to a commanding 5-0 lead against Judd Trump, extending it to 7-3 in the evening session. Then came the pivotal moment – a difficult snooker on the last red, followed by a controversial call from referee Olivier Marteel.
Marteel declared a free ball, seemingly handing Selby an easy path to the frame. Trump immediately questioned the decision, believing a shot on the red was still possible. It was a tense standoff, a crucial juncture in a championship battle.
In a stunning display of integrity, Selby stepped in, examining the table himself. He agreed with Trump, astonishingly conceding that a free ball was incorrect, even though it benefited him. This selfless act immediately captivated the audience.
Trump, granted a reprieve, then remarkably fluked the red while escaping the snooker, seizing the frame. Pundits largely believed the referee’s initial call was correct, yet Selby’s decision stood firm, a testament to his character.
“I just let them two deal with it,” Selby explained afterward. “I didn’t want to get too involved. Once he decided it’s a free ball, I wasn’t going to just take it. I had to look first.”
Selby maintained his perspective differed from the television view. From his position at the table, he genuinely believed he could reach the remaining red. It was a matter of angles, of perception, of trust in his own judgment.
Veteran commentator Steve Davis, however, sided with the referee, suggesting Selby should have requested an extra red be placed to definitively prove the obstruction. Davis felt a simple check would have confirmed Marteel’s original assessment.
Despite the controversy, Selby ultimately prevailed, securing a 10-8 victory and his tenth Triple Crown title. This achievement elevates him above John Higgins in the rankings of these prestigious tournaments.
“To win any tournament nowadays is so difficult,” Selby stated, reflecting on the significance of the win. “I put so much emphasis on these Triple Crown events. These are the events I judge my CV on.”
He expressed immense respect for Higgins, acknowledging his long-standing admiration for the fellow champion. Surpassing Higgins in Triple Crown victories felt particularly special, a milestone earned through dedication and unwavering focus.
Selby now stands among the giants of the game, trailing only Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, and Steve Davis in Triple Crown triumphs. His victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, a demonstration of skill, and a shining example of sportsmanship under pressure.
