What a final. It had it all - century breaks, tight frames, a Mark Selby fightback in the early stages and a Shaun Murphy rally near the end.

But, ultimately, it was the Jester from Leicester who reclaimed the Crucible crown, lifting the title for a fourth time in eight years.

His list of victims in those finals reads like a who's who of snooker - Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ding Junhui, Mark Williams and, now, Murphy.

We hope you've enjoyed our coverage as much as we've enjoyed bringing it to you - roll on 2022 with full houses every day fingers crossed!

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That was some roar Mark Selby let out when he potted that final black.

Such tension throughout that championship-winning break.

It was only eight balls but seemed to take forever.

Mark Selby has certainly not had it easy on his way to a fourth Crucible crown.

In his final three matches, he faced three fellow former champions and overcame them all - Mark Williams, Stuart Bingham and Shaun Murphy.

Image source, BBC Sport

Mark Selby referred to his desire to join the elite at the start of this final.

This is what he was talking about.

Only four players in the modern era of snooker have more world championship triumphs than the Jester.

And, at only 37, he will fancy climbing that list a bit higher, no doubt.

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John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

This has been brilliant for Shaun Murphy. He's played so well this tournament but has run into one of the best ever match players.

John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two

Mark Selby is the complete all-round player. He’s just a wonderful competitor. Even when his game is not at its very best, he finds a way to win.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Mark Selby has time on his side and could be the one to challenge Stephen Hendry's record of seven titles. I don't think he'll stick on four titles because he's too good. His all-round game is as good as John Higgins.

He's got the will to win and will be around for a number of years and maybe will get the world number one spot back in a couple of years as well.

Image source, BBC Sport

World champion Mark Selby on BBC Two: "A few years ago I had some very, very dark days and times were tough. This has been a special one.

"Chris (Henry) has only been coaching me for a year - coming here last year I wasn't too confident and he got me to one frame away from the final and then working with him this year I've seen a massive difference in myself, especially self-belief.

"I was a little bit fragile before I got with Chris and he's worked wonders.

"My aim is to get back to world number one. You still have goals in your career. I'm going in the right direction."

World champion Mark Selby on BBC Two: "It’s absolutely incredible. Every time you get to a world final you always try your hardest – it’s such a tough tournament to get there and you never know whether it’s going to be your last.

"To win it once against Ronnie O’Sullivan for the first time was a dream come true – to win it four times is something I could only have dreamed of.

"I thought Shaun played fantastic all the way through the match. He’s a great, great player, a great ambassador for the game. I truly believe he’s back to where he was."

Runner-up Shaun Murphy on BBC Two:

"Mark Selby is super-granite, unfortunately for me. He's always been the same and I've known him since I was nine. I started well but he went into super-hard mode, he broke me last night with that three-frame lead which is a significant lead in a match like this.

"Life has been difficult for everybody over the last 12 months but I want to say a very deep and personal thank you for everyone of you who has bought a ticket over the last 17 days.

"Sport is nothing without fans and we've been thrilled to have everyone back and a full house tonight. It's been very tough for me this year with the travel restrictions but you've brought me back."

Spare a thought for Shaun Murphy - it's his third Crucible final defeat and he played a huge part in this final.

The nerves were there but he held himself together.

A fantastic final.

A big embrace from Shaun Murphy at the end.

Mark Selby - four-time world champion.

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Mark Selby draws level with John Higgins for world and triple crown successes and has now won 20 major ranking titles.

The Englishman also collects £500,000 in prize money, moving back up to second in the world behind Judd Trump.

Wow he's taking his time...

He knocks it in the middle, up and down the table with the white.

The pink is in too, all round the angles. A routine black surely?

A noise in the background forces Mark Selby up off his shot as he lines up the brown.

He pots it but is in-between positional wise on the blue. Middle or corner?

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

It was always a nasty shot to play under the pressure. It never got close to be fair.

John Virgo
1979 UK Championship winner on BBC Two

I thought when he hesitated that he should have played a good safety instead.

Mark Selby has to pot eight balls to win his fourth world title. Red, colour, then the six colours in order.

Sounds simple. Looks simple to be be honest, looking at the table. But it won't be simple.