That was probably some of the best snooker I’ve ever played, over the week as a whole.’ Barry Hawkins is taking the positives from Sunday’s defeat to Judd Trump in the UK Championship final, although there is no question that another defeat in a Triple Crown showpiece does sting.

Judd Trump was forced to work overtime to end his 13-year wait for a second UK Championship title after squeezing past the dogged challenge of Barry Hawkins in York. Trump was stuck in his seat as Hawkins won two in a row to reduce the deficit to a single frame before the world number one pounced on a missed red from his opponent with a 67 break that proved just enough to seal a 10-8 win.

JUDD TRUMP ended a 13-year wait to lift the UK Championship as he banked a sweet £1million Christmas bonus. The Juddernaut has been the sport’s standout performer this term but he was forced to