World number one Mark Selby won the biggest title of his career by defeating Shaun Murphy 10-6 in the final of the UK Championship.

In a disjointed contest, Selby had gone 2-1 ahead but Murphy won three frames in a row to hold the advantage.

But Selby hit back by winning the last two in the first session and then forged 6-5 ahead in the evening

Murphy's sublime 65 clearance restored parity at 6-6 but Selby took control, winning four on the trot to triumph.

"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.

"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, but 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 lions share of the close ones proved decisive. Murphy played his part in a final worthy of this tournaments rich history but its 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 which ebbed and flowed, contested in good spirits by two close friends.

The modest number of high breaks - there were no centuries in the final - meant a battle of attrition was fought. Neither man produced their best snooker, so it was down to the player who was able to grind out the frames.

And ultimately, it was Selby who capped a return to the top of the world rankings by capturing his third ranking win.

After questions marks over his credibility were raised during his last stint at world number one, he dispelled those doubts by finally triumphing in the sport's second most important event.

Murphy had already won the competition before in 2008 but was unable to gather any momentum with his attacking style of play, being thwarted by the tenacity and doggedness of his opponent.

"Mark is just the hardest player on tour by a mile. He is a worthy world number one and fully deserves it and fully deserves tonight," Murphy said afterwards.

"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."

"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 first session was a mix of sublime and poor snooker, as the players took frames with one opportunity, as well as missing 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, setting up a tantalising final session.

'The Jester from Leicester' began with a 58 break and had chances to clinch the opener, but instead 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.

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 and 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.