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		<title>Mark Selby - latest news</title>
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		<copyright>Mark Selby</copyright>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:08:50 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>World title for on-song Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby has been crowned Sangsom Six Reds world champion after beating Ricky Walden 8-6 in the final in Thailand.

The Jester from Leicester pocketed a cheque for £40,000 but, more importantly, confirmed his position as the man in form at the moment.

Only two weeks ago Selby won the second PTC event in Sheffield and now, having added the Six Reds title in Bangkok, he is definitely the man to beat.

Selby, the world No.9, said: “I’m chuffed to bits to win, especially as it’s back-to-back titles.

“I played really solid and did what I had to do.

“I’m really happy because Six Reds is such a lottery, anyone can win it, especially when there are so many top-class players who are in it.”

Selby was never behind after taking the opening two frames against his good friend Walden, the world No.20 from Flintshire, and kept his nose in front to take the trophy.

This is the second time Selby has earned the right to call himself world champion after his success in the world eight-ball pool final four years ago.

If he maintains this form for the rest of the season, who is to say he won’t bag his third world title come May at the Crucible?

Mark Selby 8-6 Ricky Walden
60-7, 64(63)-0, 7-43, 1-41, 54-5, 1-41, 59-27, 6-39, 71(71)-0, 42-30, 0-62(58), 9-41, 56-17]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:20:34 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Sheffield glory for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby warmed up for next week’s Sangsom 6 Reds in Thailand by winning the second Players Tour Championship event in Sheffield.

The world No.9 beat Barry Pinches 4-3 in the final after fighting back from 3-1 down at the World Snooker Academy.

It also put the Jester from Leicester on top of the PTC Order of Merit after two of the 12 events, and was the ideal preparation for the 6 Reds event.

Selby showed his class by reeling off back-to-back centuries to peg back world No.57 Pinches, knocking in runs of 133 and 116 to seal victory.

“I played really well throughout the event,” said Selby, who rattled up eight centuries in total during his seven matches.

“It was a strong field and there were some shock results, which shows the quality of the amateur players. It’s always nice to win any tournament and it’s something to build on for me.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 10:25:19 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Hollywood style for the Jester</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby has been honoured on a Hollywood-style Walk of Fame.

Selby, who reached the semi-finals of the World Championship this month, saw his name set in stone at a special ceremony in his home town of Leicester.

He said: “I feel very privileged and honoured. There are lots of great sports people from Leicester, so to be recognised in this way is a great honour and shows how far I have come.

“I’m very proud to say Leicester is my home, and something like this is another great way of helping put the city on the map.”

Selby joins other Leicester celebrities in having plaques unveiled on the Walk of Fame, including singer Engelbert Humperdinck and Adrian Mole author Sue Townsend.

Set to be included in future sections of the walk are Sir David Attenborough, Lord Richard Attenborough, Gok Wan, Gary Lineker, DNA pioneer Sir Alec Jeffries, and Bend it Like Beckham star Parminder Nagra.

For more pictures, see the Personal Gallery]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:47:45 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Semi-finalist Selby stays focused on Dott</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby is not getting carried away after his heroic win over Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The Jester from Leicester mounted a stunning comeback from 9-5 down to beat O’Sullivan 13-11 and set up a World Championship semi-final against Graeme Dott, who won the title in 1996.

The match gets under way on Thursday evening and Selby said: “I’ll go in there, give it my all, and take every ball at a time.

“It’s going to be a tough game. Graeme’s been world champion before, so he knows what to expect, but I’m really confident.

“As long as I believe I can win the tournament that’s all that matters to me.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do as a kid, win the World Championship, so it’s probably a little added pressure to me.”

Selby refused to give up against three-time world champion O’Sullivan, displaying the type of resolve that saw him beat the Rocket in two previous finals.

In this year’s Masters, the world No.7 came from 9-6 down to win 10-9, and in the 2008 Welsh Open he fought back from 8-5 down to win the title 9-8.

Selby said: “I just concentrate on my own game and my own game seems to be good enough to beat him at the moment.

“I felt as though I had every chance. Until you get to 13 then it’s never over, so I just kept trying my hardest and taking it a frame at a time and you never know. Things can turn around.’’

Mark Selby 13 Ronnie O’Sullivan 11

24-70(35), 92(84)-17, 82(45)-0, 7-69(32), 90(90)-16, 1-67(67), 65-63, 6-81(81), 6-92(92), 17-89(89), 82(75)-18, 0-140(46,86), 1-117(117), 20-89, 108(104)-16, 62(62)-16, 67(40)-0, 17-77(45), 88(49,33)-35, 36-79(75), 127(108)-0, 77(38)-14, 68(46)-43(43), 68(44)-42]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:04:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>O'Sullivan next up for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby will face Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarter-finals of the World Championship.

The Jester from Leicester wrapped up a crushing 13-5 victory against seven-time Crucible champion Stephen Hendry to set up the clash against the Rocket, a repeat of the Masters final in January which Selby won.

Selby resumed his match against Hendry at 4-4 and, although the Scot looked out of sorts, Selby was in fine form as he took seven of the session’s eight frames to put himself on the brink of his third Crucible quarter-final.

When the evening session began, Selby wasted no time in winning the two frames he needed. He now faces O’Sullivan on Tuesday (2.30pm), who beat Mark Williams 13-10 in their second-round encounter.

Selby said: &#034;Ronnie's not got that many weaknesses, so it's hard to pick some out if you were looking at any.

&#034;Ronnie’s expectations are so high of himself that even when he does make three centuries he’s probably upset that he’s not made four.

&#034;When I watched him play earlier on, I’d have been happy with that performance.&#034;

Mark Selby 13-5 Stephen Hendry

89(52)-39(39), 0-96(96), 79(71)-23, 0-121(121), 30-77, 61(61)-73(43), 77(32)-75(51), 87(87)-0, 19-96(96), 0-99(46,45), 21-92(48,44), 60(35)-62(62), 92(47)-4, 8-117(117), 0-99(99), 66(49)-28, 72-18]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:12:42 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>MC Rob backs 'mega talent' Mark</title>
			<description><![CDATA[If there’s one man who knows a thing or two about the players at this year’s World Championship, it’s Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker.

The 35-year-old is one of the most instantly recognisable faces at snooker tournaments these days, with his energetic, exuberant style proving a winner among the Crucible crowd for the third year in a row.

Well known for his catchphrase ‘Let’s get the boys on the baize’ as he introduces the players into the arena at the start of every match, Walker is also a self-confessed member of the Mark Selby fan club.

“There’s a good rapport between us,” said Walker. “I really like him, he’s a nice bloke, enjoys his snooker and the place lights up when he plays. He’s a mega talent and great to have on the circuit.

“He’s got an excellent chance of winning the title as well. He’s got nerves of steel and, if he shows the form he did when winning the Masters this year, why not?

“He relished those frames when he was behind against Ronnie O’Sullivan, he’s just got no fear. Mark showed then that he can turn it on when he wants to. 

“I really enjoy watching him play and he could go on and win it.”

Spectators may have noticed Walker and Selby are prone to a quick game of rock-paper-scissors during the players’ entrance on to the stage.

“We did that the first time I MC’d at the Masters in 2008,” said Walker. “He’s great bloke to work with, likes a good chat and the banter, but he produces the goods when under intense pressure.

“One of the funniest moments with him was last year when I went to his club in Leicester to interview him before the World Championships started. 

“We were outside talking and I could see this smile start spreading across his face. That made me laugh and I couldn’t get the next question out, which made him laugh even more. We both started cracking up and ended up collapsed in laughter!”

An accusation levelled at snooker these days is that there are no characters left. Walker strenuously denies this and says that more should be done to expose the players’ true personalities.

“Mark is rare, he always looks relaxed under intense pressure. But there are characters there, and they’re all a joy to work with.

“It’s easy to look at old days and say there are no characters, like Bill Werbeniuk who used to drink pints during frames. 

“But these days the game is so competitive, with massive significance on matches. Maybe we need to make more of an effort to interview the players where they are more relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings, like at their homes. Then I think we will see their true personalities.” 

Walker, who “likes a game of pool but would never claim to have any talent at snooker”, is firmly established as the MC of choice on the professional circuit, and always looks forward to the Crucible fortnight.

As well as his MC duties, he also presents on BBC Interactive, reports for some radio shows a couple of times a day and conducts post-match TV interviews.

“My first gig as MC was the UK Championship in 2007, but there’s nothing like the buzz you get at the Crucible,” he said.

“I’ve always been a fan of snooker. I was 10 at the time of the Steve Davis-Dennis Taylor final and watched it avidly with my father. I continued to follow snooker as a teenager but then I drifted away from it.

“But I’ve firmly got back into it now and I really enjoy being around the players, there’s a great vibe on the circuit.

“You can’t do this job unless you really enjoy snooker.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:27:41 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby the 'next Higgins' - Doherty</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby was hailed as the “next John Higgins” after storming into the second round of the World Championship in Sheffield.

A comfortable 10-4 win over former champion Ken Doherty booked Selby a clash against Stephen Hendry, who needed a final-frame decider to beat Chinese qualifier Zhang Anda 10-9.

Doherty, who was making his comeback at the Crucible after failing to qualify last year, was gracious in defeat and backed Selby to go all the way.

He said: “He looks like a guy who’s really on top form and it’s always hard to play against someone like that.

“Every time you make even the smallest miscalculation, you’re punished by him clearing up and winning the frame. Over the longer distance this guy has got everything.

“He’s a great character, he’s got good bottle, he scores very heavily, and he’s got a great all-round safety game. He could be the next John Higgins. He’s that tough to beat.”

‘Jester from Leicester’ Selby also believes his game is in good enough shape to go on and win the title.

He even had a chance of a maximum 147 break, and a cheque worth £157,000, in the final frame against Doherty, but missed the 11th black ball after reaching 81.

“It’s going to be a tough game whoever I play next round and, if I win that, it’s going to be a tough one in the next one,” said the world No.7, who could have to face a world champion in every round. The match against Doherty could be followed by clashes with Hendry, O’Sullivan or Mark Williams in the quarter-finals, Peter Ebdon or Graeme Dott in the semi-finals, and Higgins or Shaun Murphy in the final.

“If I was to ask 150 people, not everyone’s going to say I’m going to win the title but, as long as I believe I can win, that’s the biggest thing.

“If I play my own game and play to my capability, I know I’ve got every chance.”

Of the missed maximum, Masters champion Selby said: “The money’s great if you get it, but I was thinking about the history and being on the roll of honour, knowing that you’ve made a 147 at the Crucible.

“It would have been a massive achievement.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:55:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>All systems go for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby gets his World Championship assault under way tomorrow believing he is ready to go one step further than the 2007 final, when he finished a brave runner-up.

The world No.7 faces 1997 world champion Ken Doherty in the first round, a re-match of the Grand Prix earlier in the season which the Irishman won.

Selby knows it is probably the toughest draw he could have got, but having won the Masters this season the Jester from Leicester is high on confidence and ready to live up to his billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

“I’m in great shape at the moment, and I’m probably the best equipped now to win this title than I’ve ever been,” said 26-year-old Selby.

“Technically and in general, my game is in better shape than when I got to the final in 2007.

“Everyone keeps telling me it’s my year, so let’s hope so. I will go there and let my snooker do the talking, play as well as I can, stay focused and hopefully go on and win it.

“I go to every tournament believing I am capable of winning. I don’t look at the odds and it makes no difference if I’m considered one of the favourites or not, as long as I believe in myself, that is the main thing.”

Mark Selby v Ken Doherty, best of 19 frames. First session starts at 7pm on Saturday, final session begins at 2.30pm on Sunday.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:55:31 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Jester looks on positive side after Ding defeat</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby took plenty of positives out of his 5-3 defeat to Ding Junhui in the second round of the China Open in Beijing.

It was a high-scoring match at the Beijing Students University Stadium, with two centuries apiece.

Although he was always playing catch-up, Selby was pleased enough with his game as he now turns his attention to the World Championships which start in Sheffield in a little over two weeks’ time.

“Despite the result, it was a great match. It just came down to the run of the ball here and there,” said the Jester from Leicester.

“There are still plenty of positives to take out of it though with the World Championships just around the corner.”

Ding won the opening frame with a break of 126 before adding the next with a run of 56.

Consecutive centuries (101 and 116) put Selby level at the interval, but the Chinese world No.13 hit straight back with a break of 101 to go 3-2 ahead.

Ding took the sixth frame to stand one away from victory before Selby reduced the deficit thanks to a break of 66.

However, a partisan home crowd saw their hero book his place in the quarter-finals as Ding took the eighth frame for a 5-3 win.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:42:37 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby expecting a Ding-dong battle</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby is relishing his China Open clash against Ding Junhui.

The Jester from Leicester beat Rod Lawler 5-2 in the first round at the Beijing Students University Stadium, and must now overcome home favourite Ding for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It will be a tough game against Ding. I’ve never played him in China before and I’m looking forward to it,” said Selby.

“I haven’t played competitively for two months and, with the World Championships starting in a couple of weeks, the harder the test will be good for my preparation.

“Hopefully I can go on a good run in this tournament.”

World No.7 Selby showed his battling qualities against Lawler, coming back from 50 points down in three frames.

The first four frames were shared, but Masters champion Selby came out after the interval to win three on the spin and close out the victory.

Selby, who fired in breaks of 57, 79 and 67, said: “It was a scrappy game, I won three frames from 50 behind which shows good character.

“I felt good after the interval, but Rod put me under pressure and played some good stuff.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:21:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Royal occasion for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby rubbed shoulders with royalty yesterday.

The Duchess of Gloucester visited Leicester to officially open a new extension at the Loros hospice, of which Mark is a patron.

Mark, who became a patron last year, took the time to visit patients with his Masters trophy following the Duchess’ visit.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to be here on such a special day and to me it shows just how far I’ve come to be asked to be a patron.”

*Mark is pictured with the Duchess of Gloucester, and fellow Loros patron Alan Birchenall (Leicester City FC). Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:21:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby to face Doherty at World Championships</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby faces a tough opening match against Ken Doherty in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championships.

The Jester from Leicester was pitted against the 1997 world champion when the draw was made this morning.

The two have already met this season, with Doherty gaining a 5-3 victory in the first round of the Grand Prix in Glasgow last October.

Doherty, who lost his place in the top 16 two years ago, has been one of the form players during this season’s qualifying rounds. He demolished Joe Swail 10-1 on Monday to book his place at this year’s Crucible event, while he also beat Jimmy White 10-3 in the previous round.

However Selby, who is currently in China taking part in exhibitions, is not undaunted by the draw and said: “It’s a tough draw, but then they’re all tough.

“I will go into the match full of confidence though because I’ve had a good start to the year and I’m playing really well at the moment.”

Selby’s best-of-19 frames match against Doherty starts on Saturday, April 17 at 7pm, with the final session starting at 2.30 the following day.

Full Crucible draw:

John Higgins v Barry Hawkins

Mark King v Steve Davis

Neil Robertson v Fergal O'Brien

Marco Fu v Martin Gould

Ali Carter v Jamie Cope

Joe Perry v Michael Holt

Ding Junhui v Stuart Pettman

Shaun Murphy v Gerard Greene

Stephen Maguire v Stephen Lee

Peter Ebdon v Graeme Dott

Mark Allen v Tom Ford

Ryan Day v Mark Davis

Mark Selby v Ken Doherty

Stephen Hendry v Zhang Anda

Mark Williams v Marcus Campbell

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Liang Wenbo]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:32:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Mark my words</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Snooker poet Kevin Power has written a tribute to Mark Selby:

The Rap of Mark Selby

(The Jester from Leicester)

This is the table of legend and fable
Where Mark was able to pot all the reds –
Followed by colours, firm from their beds
This is the chalk of kingfisher blue
That chalked the tip that tipped the cue
To apply the screws around the “Blues”.

With winning shots in potting and snooker
And in playing safe his cueing was super
Playing it cool with no signs of tension
Development that was full of invention
Let’s make no mistake – he’s got what it takes
To make the big breaks whilst playing “It” safe

Escaping from snookers, no forfeits or bloomers.
He potted the black that won him the frame
That settled the match of the Rubicon game
The prize worthy winner, the big money spinner
With deference to Ronnie – no disrespects
And by the same token, to have no regrets

We wish him well in fortune and fate
And long may he prosper afore “Sell-by” date]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:36:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Emotional day for Mark</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby grabbed at the chance to throw his weight behind a local charity.

He is the patron of Leicester hospice Loros, where his father David spent the last few weeks of his life in 1999 after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Selby, the Jester from Leicester, returned to the the hospice last week for the first time, when he met staff, volunteers and patients.

He said: “When they asked me to be a patron for Loros I snapped their hands off because of my dad being in here and knowing about what they do and the brilliant care he was given.

“Coming here again brings good and bad memories for me.

“As upsetting as it was to visit my dad here, I know it was also a good place for my dad to come.”

Loros staff were delighted to meet the world No.7.

Clinician Rachel Atkinson said: “It was great to meet him. And it’s really lovely to see a local star in the hospice.”

Senior fundraiser Adrian Walker added: “Mark is a really nice bloke and very genuine. It’s fantastic to have someone so well-known, young and doing so well as our patron.”

*Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:49:15 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Civic honour for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Masters champion Mark Selby has been honoured at a civic ceremony in his home town of Leicester.

The world No.7 lifted his second Wembley title last month after a thrilling comeback against Ronnie O’Sullivan. Selby was 9-6 down before winning the final four frames to clinch a famous win and the coveted trophy.

And at Leicester Town Hall on Wednesday, Selby was presented with an inscribed crystal bowl to celebrate his Masters success.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Roger Blackmore, made the presentation to Selby in front of a large group of friends and supporters.

“I am delighted for Mark that he’s enjoying such success, and following in the footsteps of other sporting greats from Leicester,” said Coun Blackmore.

Selby, the Jester from Leicester, said: “As a local lad I feel very proud to be honoured at this event. Being a young boy growing up, all I ever wanted to do was be a snooker player.

“Winning the Masters was a dream come true and to come here as well, it’s a great feeling.

“I’ve not had much time to celebrate but from now until March I’ve got nothing on so I’m sure I’ll have some kind of celebration with family and friends.”

*Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:45:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Rankings lift for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby’s hopes of retaining his top-16 status in next season’s world rankings have been given a boost.

Having slipped from a starting place of seventh to 13th in the provisional rankings, the Jester from Leicester is now up to 11th after reaching the quarter-finals of the Welsh Open.

Selby lost 5-2 against Higgins in Newport, but the points gained were enough to lift him two valuable places.

There are just two ranking events left this season, the China Open (March 29-April 4) and the World Championships (April 17-May 3).

Meanwhile, Selby proudly showed off his Masters title at the Leicester City v Newcastle match on Saturday.

A dedicated Leicester supporter, Selby appeared at half-time during the 0-0 draw at the Walkers Stadium.

Selby is lined up for another engagement this week when he will be the guest of honour at an evening hosted by the mayor of Leicester at the city’s Town Hall.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:03:39 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Higgins next up for the Jester</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby stayed on course for a title double when he beat Mark King in the second round of the Welsh Open.

A 5-3 win earned Selby a quarter-final clash against world champion John Higgins, and keeps the Jester from Leicester in line to add to the Masters trophy he won two weeks ago.

It was a close match against King, the Essex man levelling at 3-3 after Selby opened up a 3-1 lead, including a top break of 84.

But breaks of 63 and 71 saw Selby set up a last-eight match with Higgins, who was a 5-1 winner over Graeme Dott.

Mark Selby 5-3 Mark King
52-60, 83(50)-32, 75(45)-24, 97(84)-33, 24-66(45), 21-68, 76(63)-16, 72(71)-32]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:04:54 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby's hot streak continues</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby eased into the second round of the Welsh Open with a 5-2 win over Judd Trump.

Selby, looking for his second title in three years at Newport, will now face Mark King for a place in the quarter-finals. Their second-round match starts on Thursday at 7pm.

Against Trump, Selby continued the form that saw him win the Masters 10 days ago. The Jester from Leicester won the first two frames before the Bristol youngster pulled one back in the third.

Selby fired in a break of 69 to pull clear at 3-1, but Trump hit back immediately after the interval to make it 3-2.

But world No.7 Selby upped his game with a break of 115 to take the sixth frame, before wrapping up victory with a run of 58 in the seventh. 

Mark Selby 5-2 Judd Trump
73(30,31)-71(51), 70(51)-19, 52(45)-60(30), 102(69)-2, 27-73(47), 115(115)-0, 91(58)-26]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:18:18 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby hoping to trump Judd</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Masters champion Mark Selby plays talented youngster Judd Trump in the first round of the Welsh Open at the Newport Centre tomorrow.

The best-of-nine clash starts in the afternoon with a clash against either Mark King or Marcus Campbell awaiting in the second round.

World No.7 Selby is brimming with confidence after his heroic Wembley win against Ronnie O’Sullivan, when he fought back from 9-6 down to snatch the title with a 10-9 victory.

And he can make it a trophy double if he wins in Wales this week, a repeat of two years ago when he won both titles in quick succession.

The Jester from Leicester said: “I’m on a real high and can’t wait for it to start. It feels like the season has just started for me and I’m excited about what’s to come.

“I always thought I was playing well this season, even though I had a couple of first-round defeats.

“The Masters showed my game is in great shape. To come back and win like that was fantastic, and it’s just been a matter of fine-tuning it during this last week.

“I’ve been practising every day, and I know I’ve got a hard match ahead of me. But winning the Masters gave me a massive lift and I hope that continues in Newport this week.”

Read more of Mark’s thoughts by clicking on to his blog.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:14:29 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Stunning fightback seals Masters glory</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby won his second Masters title in three years after a thrilling final against Ronnie O'Sullivan at Wembley.

The Jester from Leicester fought back from 9-6 down to stun world No.1 and defending champion O'Sullivan 10-9.

It avenged Selby's 10-8 defeat to O'Sullivan in last year's final, and added to the Masters title he won on his debut in 2008.

Selby's remarkable record in this tournament now stands at 11 wins in 12 matches, and it sets the 26-year-old up nicely for the rest of the season.

He said: &#034;That's the best final I've ever been in.

&#034;The atmosphere is great when Ronnie O'Sullivan plays. I just dug in and thought I would just scrap it out. 

&#034;I love the atmosphere and seem to thrive on it. Hopefully this will kick-start my season.&#034; 

Ronnie O'Sullivan 9 - 10 Mark Selby
1st Session: 35(35)-81, 90(56)-34(30), 86(86)-7, 122(122)-0, 101(101)-4, 0-83(83), 0-112(112), 74(54)-33(33)
2nd Session: 0-117(54,58), 114(92)-8, 0-136(136), 74(49)-41(37), 0-78(78), 137(41,89)-0, 91(91)-3, 25-92(62), 8-109(109), 67-78, 0-65(27,37)

* Keep an eye out for Mark's next blog entry when he will talk at length about his phenomenal Masters win.]]></description>
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