The snooker world was full of wonder and awe at the incredible quality on display in tonight's UK Championship final between Mark Selby and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Selby won the championship by beating O'Sullivan 10-7 in the final. But it was an absolutely outrageous match, full of brilliance from both players, and in truth only Selby could have beaten O'Sullivan with 'The Rocket' playing the way he was.
O'Sullivan fought back from 7-2 down to get the scores to 8-7 and it looked like Selby might crack but he managed to hold on in a frankly outrageous final six frames that featured five centuries - three for Selby and two for O'Sullivan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObNX2h3ZMWQ
It was geared up to be a mouthwatering clash from the start, with the best player in the world right now playing arguably the greatest of all time. And it didn't disappoint.
The reaction of the duo's fellow snooker players is a pretty decent barometer of how high the standard was and there was a general sense of wonder and awe at the standard of play on show.
Mark Selby and Ronnie O'Sullivan leave the Snooker world enthralled
I wonder do these guys know they're playing 4 the uk championships?! Standard is absolutely ridiculous. Just sit back and enjoy as a neutral
— Mark Allen (@pistol147) December 4, 2016
What a final and what a standard
— Michael White (@michaelwhite147) December 4, 2016
Win or lose Selby proving why he is No 1. Can play any style against any player! #rock#solid
— Joe Perry (@joegentlemanjoe) December 4, 2016
Anyone watching the snooker has witnessed the bar being raised. Practice table for the rest of us! Congrats to @markjesterselby #history
— Shaun Murphy (@Magician147) December 4, 2016
Said world no 1 was rubbish last week, well tonight he was fucking awesome
— stephen hendry (@SHendry775) December 4, 2016
From ridiculous break-building to ridiculous safety. Got everything this final.
— Matt (@ProSnookerBlog) December 4, 2016