Selby Secures First Champion of Champions Title with Convincing Win Over Trump.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby claimed his first-ever Champion of Champions title, defeating Judd Trump 10-5 at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. Selby, playing in front of his home crowd, showcased his trademark grit and tactical nous, surviving an early scrappy exchange before pulling away with high-quality breaks, including a 138, to seal the victory.
Trump, the world number one, started strongly, taking a 3-1 lead and registering two century breaks, but Selby’s resilience and strategic play gradually turned the match in his favour. The 42-year-old’s semi-final win over Neil Robertson had already highlighted his patience, featuring a marathon 63-minute frame decided on the final black.
In the final, Selby continued to demonstrate composure under pressure. After intense safety battles and intricate exchanges, he gained the upper hand with a 138 break and rattled off three consecutive centuries, ultimately winning nine of the last eleven frames. Trump, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency with his chosen cue and suffered his fifth final defeat of the season.
“This tournament only features the best players, so winning it is a real privilege,” Selby said. “I played well today but knew I had to—Judd is the man to beat. It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve played to that standard.”
Trump admitted defeat graciously, saying, “There are no positives today. Mark was the best player all week and thoroughly deserved to win. I really struggled with my cue and couldn’t get into a rhythm.”
Selby’s victory underscores his reputation for patience, tactical brilliance, and the ability to perform under pressure, adding another prestigious title to his illustrious career.
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