Mark Selby has revealed his delight that tournaments are now coming “thick and fast” as he looks to strengthen his position even further at the top of the world rankings. The 34-year-old secured his first win of the season on Sunday, holding off a fightback from Mark Allen to successfully defend his International Championship title in Daqing, China, eventually prevailing 9-7 having been in total control at 8-3.
Selby may have had a nervy end to the tournament but ultimately took his chance when it came along to secure his sixth ranking title in the last 16 months, and 13th of his career, to pull almost £800,000 clear of Ding Junhui at the top of the rankings. After struggling with his form in the early part of the season due to a toe injury, Selby is now looking to build the winning momentum as he looks to make it a hat-trick of world titles, and fourth of his career, at the Crucible next year, for which he is currently installed as the 3/1 favourite.
“The standard of the final was very good,” said Selby. “I knew it would be tough. We both played at the top of our game and I’m happy to be on the winning side. “Mark never knows when he’s beaten and he has a lot of bottle. It didn’t surprise me when he came back at me. I just had to stay calm and wait for my chance. “To defend a big title like this is a great feeling. As long as I keep winning tournaments I can be world number one for a lot longer. “The events come thick and fast over the next few weeks and as I’m playing well I prefer that.” Selby’s victory over Allen in the final means that Neil Robertson has secured the 16th and final place in the Champion of Champions event, starting on Monday, with the Australian available at 16/1 to win in an outright market headed by Selby at 4/1.
Snooker odds available at Dafabet.