BOLTON, England — In a commanding display of tactical snooker, Mark Selby captured the 2023 Champion of Champions title for the first time in his career, defeating a resurgent Judd Trump 10-7 in a gripping final at the Bolton Whites Hotel.
The four-time world champion, who had previously fallen short in the 2016 and 2020 finals of this prestigious invitational event, finally secured the trophy that had eluded him, adding another major honour to his illustrious collection and claiming a winner's cheque of £150,000.
A visibly emotional Selby, known as "The Jester from Leicester," was overcome with relief and joy after potting the final ball, having battled through a tournament featuring all the season's title winners. "To finally get my hands on this trophy means the world," he said in his post-match interview.
A Tale of Two Sessions
The final was a classic contrast in styles, pitting Selby's methodical, safety-first approach against Trump's free-flowing, aggressive break-building. The afternoon session set the stage, with Selby establishing a 5-3 lead. While Trump managed a high break of 135, it was Selby's grinding consistency and ability to win the tight frames that gave him the early advantage.
The evening session, however, saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Trump emerged from the interval with renewed focus, reeling off four consecutive frames with a barrage of heavy scoring to turn a 5-3 deficit into a 7-5 lead. During this blistering spell, the 2019 world champion appeared unstoppable, leaving Selby rooted to his chair for long periods.
The Selby Fightback and Trump's Missed Chance
Facing a two-frame deficit and with the match slipping away, Selby demonstrated the immense mental fortitude that has defined his career. He dug deep to take a scrappy 13th frame, halting Trump's momentum at a critical juncture. The pivotal moment of the entire contest arrived in the 14th frame. With the score at 7-6, Trump was in prime position to restore his two-frame cushion but missed a crucial pink off its spot when on a break of 54.
Selby, seizing the opportunity with ruthless efficiency, cleared the table with a superb 71 to level the match at 7-7. The miss proved to be a psychological turning point from which Trump never fully recovered. Reflecting on the moment, Trump was candid: "I felt I should have gone 8-6 up. I missed a pink to the middle, and from 7-5 to 7-7 it was a big swing."
Closing Out the Match in Signature Style
With the match level, Selby shifted into the gear that has made him one of the sport's most formidable competitors. He relentlessly piled on the pressure, capitalizing on errors from a now-frustrated Trump. The Leicester man won the next three frames in succession, compiling breaks of 124, 66, and 40 to seal the victory 10-7. This final burst highlighted a key strength in Selby's game:
- Strategic Safety: Consistently leaving Trump in difficult positions, forcing errors.
- Clinical Finishing: Making clearances when the opportunities presented themselves.
- Mental Resilience: Refusing to be rattled after losing four frames on the trot.
The victory was a testament to Selby's ability to win even when not at his absolute peak scoring form for the entire match. He found a way to win through sheer determination and tactical intelligence. "I had to scrap it out, and that's what I'm good at," Selby remarked.
Post-Match Reactions and Looking Ahead
For Judd Trump, the defeat was a painful one, but he acknowledged the quality of his opponent. "Mark is the toughest player ever to play against. He just plays the game so well. He doesn't give you an easy chance, and he clears up when you make a mistake. He was the better player overall," Trump conceded graciously.
For Selby, the win was particularly sweet given his recent struggles and public discussions about his mental health. The title serves as a powerful statement that he remains a dominant force at the top of the sport. The victory provides a massive confidence boost as the snooker calendar builds towards the World Championship in Sheffield. "This is a massive win for me, a huge tournament. It gives me a lot of belief going forward," Selby stated.
A Significant Addition to the Legacy
By winning the Champion of Champions, Mark Selby has filled a notable gap on his CV. The tournament, which brings together the best players from the previous season, is considered one of the most coveted non-ranking titles. This triumph reinforces his status as one of the all-time greats, proving that his renowned "grinder" style can triumph over the most explosive talents in the game.
The 2023 Champion of Champions final will be remembered as a classic encounter of snooker's contrasting philosophies. In the end, it was Selby's unwavering resolve and tactical mastery that prevailed over Trump's flamboyant brilliance, etching his name on the trophy for the first time and providing another iconic chapter in his remarkable career.
