Jimmy White believes Judd Trump has become an all-round player after playing ‘naughty snooker’ earlier in his career. White says Trump was once too attacking but has now improved his safety play to become one of the sport’s best-ever stars.

The Ace defeated Barry Hawkins in a thrilling UK Championship final on Sunday. The 35-year-old kept his nerve in the final frame to seal a 10-8 victory.

Trump had previously led 5-2 but Hawkins battled back to 9-8. The world No. 1 rekindled his composure superbly to see out the match.

White believes Trump’s improvement of his all-round game makes him one of the best-ever snooker stars, telling Eurosport: "Make no mistake about it [he is one of the best ever].

"We always talk about how he was just about potting balls, playing naughty snooker. What he’s done, he’s rounded his game, he’s got great safety play. He’s a great shot-maker, great shot selection at the right time. He knew how well Barry was playing, and he knew that Barry wasn’t going to give up and give it 100 per cent.

"Even at 9-6, when you think that he had control of the game, he knew that he had to keep his foot on the gas. When Barry missed that red in the middle pocket, it wasn’t a certainty for Trump to do the damage that he did.

"He is Judd Trump, and once again, he produced under pressure - and that’s why he’s champion. An incredible snooker player. Judd kept pressing on the gas when Barry got close to him, but Barry should be super proud of himself for the role that he played in this final."

Trump had concerns that Hawkins would take him to a deciding frame with the 45-year-old enjoying plenty of momentum - and vast support inside York’s Barbican.

"It was just relief at the end," Trump said. "After it got to 9-6, I was thinking that I was going to get some good chances to get over the line. I broke off and it was 9-7. I had a good chance at a long pot, I thought it was a really big shot and I missed it, 9-8.

"I was dreading going 9-9, just because of the momentum that he had. He had a lot of support out there, he is such a nice guy. I think everyone wanted him to win apart from my family."