JUDD Trump ended his 13-year wait for a second UK Championship title after overcoming the dogged challenge of Barry Hawkins at York Barbican on Sunday night.

The world number one was rooted to his seat as Hawkins won back-to-back frames to reduce the deficit to just one, but a missed red opened the door for a 67 break that proved just enough to win the final 10-8.aw

Hawkins, who superbly toppled reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan on his way to the trophy-crowning match, showed his class in a safety battle that left Trump fearing the worst.

"I wasn't enjoying myself in my seat at 9-8," the winner admitted in his post-match interview. "I was thinking this could be the worst loss of all time, so it's just pure relief."

Trump’s triumph at the Barbican marked his first UK title since 2011 and took him to 30 ranking tournament wins across his career. Only O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and John Higgins have won more.

He takes home a prize of £250,000, whilst Hawkins, who was bidding to become the oldest first-time winner of a triple-crown event, scooped £100,000.

Recommended reading:

Trump never quite hit his top form, but still pulled out enough big moments to keep Hawkins at bay in what threatened to be a repeat of his opening round endeavours against O’Sullivan.

The 35-year-old had looked set to take command in the early stages when he reeled off three consecutive frames to take a 5-2 lead.

But a fine 81 in the next left Hawkins in touch at the end of the afternoon session, and after Trump had carved out a 133 break – his highest of the tournament - he fought back again with a brave 75 and equally ambitious 82 to leave himself still in with a chance.

Hawkins put up a brave fight.Hawkins put up a brave fight. (Image: PA) Hawkins, whose semi-final battle with Mark Allen went on into the early hours of Sunday morning, returned to the table barely 12 hours later, but looked far from fatigued.

He almost got the two snookers he required in a dramatic 18th frame to force a decider but ultimately jawed a red and allowed Trump to make what proved to be a pivotal break.

The Kent-based player, who has now lost in four triple-crown finals, admitted: "If someone had said I'd get to the final I'd have taken it, but once you're in the final you want to win.

"I've beaten some great players this week, but I've lost to the best player in the world at the moment, he's such a fantastic player and it's no disgrace."

"It was such a hard game, and the way Barry battled today considering what happened yesterday was incredible really, so fair play to Barry," added Trump.

"He had the chance to go level and the game could have changed, and even towards the end I was leaving him half-chances and he was clearing up every time.

"It's been 13 years, it's not easy to win these events. I've played brilliantly a lot of times and still come up short, so to do it in the manner I've done it, with probably one of the toughest draws of all time, I'm so proud of myself."