Matthew Selt claimed the first ranking tournament win of his career by defeating Lyu Haotian 5-3 in the final of the Indian Open in Kochi.

The win arrived 17 years after he had first turned professional and Selt credit changes in his practice regime, as well as guidance from seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, for helping him achieve his goal.

Having turned over defending champion John Higgins in the last-four, Selt came from 3-2 down to take the last three frames again Lyu in the final. Romford’s 33-year-old Selt had never previously been beyond the quarter-finals of a ranking event but he was composed in the final.

A break of 102 ensured he levelled the match at 3-3 after his opponent had won three frames without reply. Selt then made a composed yellow-to-pink clearance to edge frame seven before getting over the line with a calm knock of 72 in the final frame.

“Going into the final, neither of us had been in that situation before, so it could have been a nervy, scrappy match. But I don’t feel I can play much better than that. In the balls I was clinical, and in the last frame I had a chance to win it and took it. It was a really enjoyable final,” said Selt.

He is looking forward to a conversation with Hendry this week when he returns home to dissect his winning run in Kochi.

“It’s nice to have him there. No one was more used to winning than him. I haven’t spoken to him that much this week but little words here and there help me out,” he added.

“I’m known for being quite loud and outgoing but I feel very humble now because deep down I wasn’t sure I’d ever win a title. I can’t wait to get back and see what he says to me.”

Selt is 501.00 to win the World Championship in Sheffield this season.