Shaun Murphy has conceded that he was beaten by the better player following his defeat to Mark Selby in the final of the UK Championship on Sunday night.
World number one Selby clinched his maiden title at the Barbican in York with a 10-6 triumph.
"He's the hardest player on the tour by a mile," said Murphy. "He fully deserves it. I've been beaten by the best in the world."
Victory for Selby has seen the 29-year-old pick up a winning cheque of £125,000.
