Selby defeats Murphy in UK final
Mark Selby capped his return to world number one by beating Shaun Murphy 10-6 in the final of the UK Championship to claim the biggest title of his career.
Selby led 2-1 early on but Murphy won three frames in a row before Selby hit back to level the first session at 4-4.
A sublime 65 clearance nudged Murphy ahead again but Selby responded and won a tight 11th frame on the pink to lead 6-5 only for Murphy to restore parity.
But Selby, 29, won four on the trot to win snooker's second biggest event.
"I am over the moon and it means a great deal. It makes it even more special to beat someone of Shaun's class," Selby told BBC Sport.
"It was a strange game; it was not pretty. I was twitching all over the place.
Analysis
Philip Studd
BBC Radio 5 Live at the Barbican Centre, York
"A thoroughly engrossing battle eventually went the way of Mark Selby in a match closer than the scoreline suggests. Just as he did in his sublime spell against Ali Carter, Shaun Murphy struck the ball superbly in the early stages and led 4-2. Try as he might, he could not shake off the attentions of his good friend, who produced his finest snooker of the tournament when he needed it most. Many of the frames were decided on the last few colours and Selby's knack of winning the lion's share of the close ones proved decisive. Murphy played his part in a final worthy of this tournament's rich history but it's Selby who's celebrating the most prestigious title of his career."
"I never really give in until the last ball is potted and that is me all over. If I was not like that, I would not have got to the final."
The first all-English UK final since 1992 was an enthralling encounter.
The modest number of high breaks - there were no centuries as both players managed a highest of 98 - meant a battle of attrition was fought.
Ultimately, it was Selby - a two-time Masters champion - who capped a return to the top of the world rankings by capturing his third ranking win.
After question marks over his credibility were raised during his last stint at world number one, he dispelled those by finally triumphing in the sport's second most important event.
Murphy had already won the tournament in 2008, but was unable to gather any momentum with his attacking style of play being thwarted by the tenacity of his opponent.
"Mark is the hardest player on tour by a mile. He is a worthy world number one and fully deserves tonight," Murphy said afterwards.
SELBY'S RANKING VICTORIES
- 2008 Welsh Open
- 2011 Shanghai Masters
- 2012 UK Championship
"This tournament does not owe me anything. I should have gone out to Luca Brecel and then Ali Carter but I have had a great week and great support.
"I have been beaten by the best in the world."
The first session was a mix of sublime and poor snooker, as the players took frames with one opportunity, plus missed relatively easy shots.
Selby opened up a 2-1 lead before Murphy won three in a row, knocking in breaks of 83 and 98 in the process, but Selby dug in to take the two remaining frames and level at 4-4.
'The Jester from Leicester' began the final session with a 58 break and had chances to clinch the opener. Instead he returned to his chair and watched on as Murphy stole the frame with a superb 65 clearance.
And he could have pinched another but this time failed to capitalise on Selby's miss.
Analysis
John Virgo
BBC Sport snooker analyst
"Mark Selby has not played his best, he has not done throughout the tournament. He has gone through scares to get here but it does not matter because if you can win when you are not at your best, that is the measure of a great champion."
The same pattern emerged in the next. Selby had his hand on the table, missed a red and 'The Magician' could have cleared up but failed to pocket the pink. His opponent nicked the frame for a narrow 6-5 advantage.
But Murphy pegged him back to level once again.
Breaks of 50 and 98 allowed Selby to open up a two-frame advantage for the first time and Murphy's miss on a blue in the following frame meant Selby was able to move one away from victory.
Murphy had been unable to score heavily throughout the match and in the end it was his downfall as Selby ground out the remaining frame he required to pick up the trophy and £125,000 prize money.