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Neil Robertson edged out world number one Judd Trump 10-9 to win his third UK championship in what was an unforgettable and epic night final.
An electrifying masterpiece filled with high punches and flawless cue ball control was anticipated, but turned into a tactical dogfight between the pair.
They shared three centuries in four frames for 4-4 and there was not more than one frame between them at all times.
Robertson forced a decider and won it after a battle of more than an hour.
The Australian collects the trophy and £ 200,000 in prize money at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, where the first UK Championship was held behind closed doors without the attendance of spectators.
Fans watching at home would have expected two of this season’s fit players to put on a fluid show, but neither came close to their pinnacle and they ended up fighting until the early hours of Monday at 12:55 GMT.
Robertson gets revenge
Robertson, the most successful foreign billiard player, had been defeated in two finals this year, including the Champion of Champions, but took revenge on Trump for beating him at the English Open in October.
That match went to a decider in the final frame and this contest marathon also went to the end, as it hit the final rose in frame 19 after Trump’s inexplicable failure in the corner.
Robertson fell short on two long stretches earlier in the game, but took the one that mattered the most.
The world number three brought his career total to 19 qualifying title wins, placing him right next to opponent Trump for the joint sixth place on the all-time list.
Robertson showed his prowess by defeating three-time world champion Selby in the quarterfinals and showed another groundbreaking construction masterclass against Zhou Yuelong in the semifinals.
It was very tough throughout the final, Robertson got bogged down with confusing shooting picks at times but held up tremendously well in the final stages.
He took three centuries to bring his tally to 13 for the tournament, a new record in the UK Championship, beating the 12 compiled by Stephen Hendry in 1994 and Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2003.
Trump’s winning streak ended
Since the start of last season, the Bristol Trump has been a class apart, claiming a record six qualifying titles last season and another two from four finals this year.
The 2019 world champion has always been a competent potter, as well as being armed with top-notch tactical game and exceptional temperament, but unusually came up short in the later stages.
Defeated ended his 14-game winning streak, dating back to the Champion of Champions semifinals on November 7, and he must wait to become the sixth player in history to win 20 or more qualifying titles.
Trump was far from his best destructive man for much of this tournament, including the final, and he couldn’t find a way to cross the winning line this time around.
He is scheduled to return to action later Monday night at the Scottish Open, although he can request to start his campaign the following day.
More to follow.
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