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		<title>Mark Selby - latest news</title>
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		<copyright>Mark Selby</copyright>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:06:30 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Tricky test in Crucible opener</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby will face Barry Hawkins in the first round of the World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield.

Hawkins is a former top-16 player and has played at the Crucible before, presenting a tough test for world No.1 Selby who is just recovering from a neck injury which saw him pull out of the China Open last month. 

The Jester from Leicester begins his campaign against Hawkins on Tuesday evening next week, and he said: &#034;It's a tough draw, Barry is a good player who has been there before. But, in all honesty, with the injury problems I've been having, I wasn't bothered who I got, I'd be happy just to be playing.&#034;

First-round draw: John Higgins v Liang Wenbo, Stuart Bingham v Stephen Hendry, Graeme Dott v Joe Perry, Stephen Maguire v Luca Brecel, Shaun Murphy v Jamie Jones, Stephen Lee v Andrew Higginson, Ali Carter v Mark Davis, Judd Trump v Dominic Dale, Mark Williams v Liu Chuang, Ronnie O'Sullivan v Peter Ebdon, Martin Gould v David Gilbert, Neil Robertson v Ken Doherty, Ding Junhui v Ryan Day, Mark Allen v Cao Yupeng, Matthew Stevens v Marco Fu, Mark Selby v Barry Hawkins.

* Read Mark's blog to discover how devastated he was at thought of missing the World Championship.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:25:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Dream day for new world No.1 Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby realised a lifetime ambition by rising to the top of the world rankings for the first time.

The Jester from Leicester beat Mark Williams 10-9 in an epic Shanghai Masters final to steal the coveted No.1 from the Welshman and continue his recent rich vein of form.

Despite two Masters titles, Selby had only one ranking event to his name, the 2008 Welsh Open, after finishing on the losing end in four previous finals, including the 2007 World Championship.

But he ended that hoodoo in some style in Shanghai, fighting back from 9-7 down to reel off three frames in a row to lift the trophy.

“It’s a big relief to win my second ranking title because I’d lost a few finals,” said Selby, who has won the Wuxi Classic and Paul Hunter Classic this season.

“Every time I got to a final I came up against someone playing well. I wasn’t at my best (against Williams) but the luck went my way.

“I played well in the first session and should have been 6-3 up. I struggled and made so many mistakes, but towards the end I got myself together again and Mark missed a few.

“It’s a great feeling to be world No.1, all I wanted to do was to get to the top of the sport.

“But I have to keep up the hard work because others will want to get ahead of me.”

Williams, who has now lost in the first two ranking finals of the season having suffered a 9-8 reverse from 8-5 ahead against Stuart Bingham at the Australian Goldfields Open, said: “Overall Mark played a bit better than me so he deserved it.”

Selby is now heading for the Brazil Masters, which starts on Thursday.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:18:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby on top of the world after Shanghai win</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby is the new world No.1 after he beat Mark Williams to lift the Shanghai Masters.

In another late-night thriller, Selby battled back from 9-7 down to beat Williams 10-9 and win his second ranking event.

The Jester from Leicester had led 7-5 at one stage, but two-time world champion Williams demonstrated the sort of form which took him back to the top of the world rankings.

But Selby, famous for his never-say-die attitude, kept his composure to mount a stirring comeback and snatch the crown.

It is the second ranking event won by the 28-year-old after he captured the Welsh Open in 2008, and the world No.1 spot is confirmation of the consistency he has shown during the past 18 months when he has been a regular at the business end of tournaments.

*Reaction from Selby to follow soon.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:39:14 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby hopes to be top of the world</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby got the perfect build-up to this week’s World Cup by lifting his first trophy of the season.

The world No.3 beat Ali Carter 9-7 to win the Wuxi Classic in China and pocket a cheque for £20,000.

The Jester from Leicester now teams up with Carter in the two-man England team that are among the hot favourites for the World Cup in Thailand.

England open their account in Bangkok today with a Group C clash against Brazil before playing Belgium tomorrow.

They face India on Thursday and the Republic of Ireland on Friday, hoping to qualify for the knock-out stages which start with Saturday’s quarter-finals.

Selby’s Wuxi win was a huge confidence boost for the 28-year-old, who reached two ranking finals last season but lost on both occasions.

He beat Graeme Dott 5-0 in his opening-round match of the invitational event before following up with a 6-5 win against home favourite Ding Junhui.

Selby hit a break of 134 against Ding for his 200th career century. That made him only the 14th player in the game’s history to have made 200 or more in professional competition. Last season he set a new record of 54 centuries for a single campaign.

In the final against world No.6 Carter, it was nip and tuck at 5-4 before Selby fired in four in a row to lead 8-5.

Carter hit back to make it 8-7 but Selby finished the match in style with a break of 100.

“Last season I got pipped at the end of a couple of tournaments so it’s great to win a trophy so early this time,” said two-time Masters champion Selby.

“I know this isn’t a ranking event but it was still a very strong line-up, so to win the title is a good achievement.

“It can only do good for my confidence and hopefully there will be more to come this season.

“If Ali and I play as well this week, then we have a great chance to win the World Cup. It’s strange to think that I was willing him to miss balls and now I’ll be willing him to pot everything. He’s a great player and we’ll be a strong team.”

The Wuxi Classic was the first of three events back to back, with the World Cup to be followed by the Australian Goldfields Open.

Selby added: “It’s a long time away from home but I felt this was a great event to play in and get some matches under my belt, and I’ve ended up winning it so I’m delighted.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:41:20 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Dream day for Mark and Vikki</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby enjoyed a dream wedding as he married Vikki Layton in Mexico.

The pair tied the knot on May 24 in Cancun, when they were joined by a small group of family and friends.

Enjoying an extended honeymoon with a weekend’s break in Sheffield, including watching Leicester pals Kasabian in concert, Mark said: “It was a great day, I’m so happy. Vikki is one in a million.

“The day could not have gone any better if I wanted it to. The weather was great and everything went smoothly.

“I’ve married into a special family and cannot say enough about them. There are great times ahead.”

He added: “It’s not a bad life. We’re just sat in the sun in Sheffield with a bottle of rosè.

“Vikki is so laid-back, I told her to pick anywhere and she chooses Sheffield for a lazy weekend and to watch Kasabian.

“At least it will save some pennies!”

To see picture’s from Mark and Vikki’s wedding, go to http://bit.ly/k896e4]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:29:49 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby's wedding-day wish</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby would love to walk down the aisle as the newly-crowned world champion.

The Jester from Leicester marries fiancee Vikki Layton in Mexico next month and he admits winning snooker's richest prize would be the &#034;icing on the cake&#034;.

Selby gets his Crucible challenge under way tonight with a first-round match against rank outsider Jimmy Robertson.

It could be the start of a 13-day marathon that, hopefully for the 27-year-old, culminates with lifting the prestigious trophy for what would be the biggest moment of his life. Until his wedding day, that is.

&#034;We fly to Mexico on May 15, just less than two weeks after the world final, before getting married in Cancun on May 24,&#034; said Selby.

&#034;The wedding plans are going really well, we've got more or less everything done now.

&#034;I picked up the rings the other day, all the suits have been tried on and sorted out, I've just got to get the cravats and that's it.

&#034;There are 15 of us going over. We wanted to get married in Cancun because we've been there before and loved it, and because it's a bit different. It's going to be a great day, a fantastic occasion whatever happens at the Crucible, but to walk down the aisle as world champion would be the icing on the cake.&#034;

Trying to arrange a wedding while also honing your game for snooker's ultimate test is not an easy task, but it is one which Selby has pulled off.

In the past two months, he has reached the finals of the German Masters and the China Open, as well enjoying runs to the semis at the Welsh Open and the PTC Grand Finals.

The world No.3, who heads to Sheffield as second favourite for the title, said: &#034;I've been in China, Germany, Ireland and, for the past two weeks, I've been practising solidly for Sheffield.

&#034;When I proposed in August (in Venice), we made sure we planned the wedding for a day where it didn't have an impact on the snooker calendar.

&#034;The way the schedule is at the moment, I knew there wouldn't be much of a window. We had to get most of the preparations done months in advance so I could just concentrate on the worlds, which I have been able to do. The last month or two we've hardly had to do anything because it's all been done. Vik has been really good and her friends and family have been helping out, and that has left me to prepare.&#034;

Selby finished runner-up to John Higgins in 2007 in one of the most thrilling finals seen at the Crucible, while last year he reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Graeme Dott.

His scintillating form during the past two months justifies the bookmakers' odds, and he will be an overwhelming favourite to beat Crucible debutant Robertson.

The 24-year-old from Bexhill-on-Sea is in only his second year on the professional tour and is ranked 63rd in the world.

On paper, he should offer little threat over the best of 19 frames, but Selby is not taking anything for granted, despite his confidence being on a high.

&#034;I will have the experience of playing at the Crucible, and he will be a bit nervous, so I'll try to stamp my authority on the match straight away,&#034; he said.

&#034;I know that, if I play to the standard I am at the moment, I've got a very good chance of going a long way in the tournament, if not winning it.&#034;

(Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury)]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:32:41 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby to face Robertson at Crucible</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby has been drawn against Crucible debutant Jimmy Robertson in the first round of the World Championship next month.

World No.61 Robertson is a former English amateur champion and had to win three qualifying rounds to book his place at snooker’s most prestigious tournament, which starts on April 16.

In his final qualifier, the 24-year-old from Bexhill won all seven frames in the evening session to beat 1997 Crucible winner Ken Doherty 10-6.

If Selby, who reached the semi-finals of the PTC Grand Finals in Dublin at the weekend, comes through his best-of-19-frames clash against Robertson, he will play either seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry or Joe Perry.

“Every match is tough, and I’m sure that will be no different against Jimmy,” said world No.4 Selby.

“But I have the experience there, whereas it’s his first time, so hopefully that will be to my advantage.”

First-round draw: Jamie Cope v Andrew Pagett, Ding Junhui v Jamie Burnett, John Higgins v Stephen Lee, Neil Robertson v Judd Trump, Mark Allen v Matthew Stevens, Ricky Walden v Rory McLeod, Mark Williams v Ryan Day, Stephen Maguire v Barry Hawkins, Ronnie O’Sullivan v Dominic Dale, Shaun Murphy v Marcus Campbell, Graeme Dott v Mark King, Stephen Hendry v Joe Perry, Ali Carter v Dave Harold, Peter Ebdon v Stuart Bingham, Mark Selby v Jimmy Robertson, Marco Fu v Martin Gould.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:50:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby tipped for PTC title</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby is a strong favourite for the title at the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Dublin this week.

The world No.4 is the second-highest ranked player in the 24-man field, behind world No.2 Mark Williams.

The event is the culmination of the PTC Series, with the players battling it out for the £60,000 first prize at The Helix.

Players were ranked in an Order of Merit according to how much money they won, with the top 24 going through to the Grand Finals.

With each match the best of seven frames only, and the absence of world champion Neil Robertson, world No.1 John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan, it means the title is there for the taking.

Selby has a bye to the second round by virtue of finishing in the top eight of the Order of Merit, and will play either Andrew Higginson or Jack Lisowski on Friday.

“Ireland is a great country with fantastic crowds, it’s always a great experience and I’m looking forward to going back there,” said the Jester from Leicester.

“When you look at the 24 players who are in it, you could say they are not the top 24 in the world, especially when people like O’Sullivan are not there.

“It is a bit of a lottery with it being the best of seven frames and players like Williams and Shaun Murphy, and even Lisowski, will fancy their chances. Everyone has got a chance of winning.

“But I got my confidence back reaching the final of the German Masters and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Selby, who lost to Williams in Berlin, won the second PTC event last August.

Meanwhile, the draw for the World Championship takes place on Monday when Selby will discover who is first-round opponent will be at the Crucible next month.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:39:57 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby up to fourth in rankings</title>
			<description><![CDATA[German Masters runner-up Mark Selby has risen to No.4 in the latest world rankings.

The Jester from Leicester lost a thrilling final 9-7 against Mark Williams in Berlin.

But the consolation for Selby, who was appearing in his fourth final in a world-ranking event, was moving up two places in the updated list.

“I was gutted to lose, but it was still a great achievement getting to a ranking final,” said Selby. “But I want to be winning them!

“I played well in the first session but I wasn’t quite with it in the evening – but all credit goes to Mark, he was the best player there all week and is a deserved winner,” said Selby.

“I was struggling before the Masters and wasn’t happy with my game, but then I saw Derek Hill and he helped me out and now I think I’m getting back on track.”

Selby makes quick return to action when the Welsh Open gets under way next week. He will be looking to regain the title he won in 2008.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:27:23 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>I've no excuses for Masters defeat - Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby was gracious in defeat after losing his Masters crown.

Selby suffered a shock 6-4 reverse against Mark King in his opening match at Wembley Arena.

The Jester from Leicester led 2-0 but King, who admitted afterwards that he is the “worst break-builder there is in the top 16”, hit back to win four frames in a row which included a break of 139. 

Selby battled back square the match at 4-4, but King took the next two frames to seal perhaps his biggest victory for some years.

Selby said: I started great, but after the third frame I went flat.

“As defending champion I should have been right up for it, so I don't know why that was.

“I had a break over Christmas to recover from the busy schedule so I've got no excuses.

“Mark played great and deserved to win, he attacked me from the start and put me under pressure.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:56:56 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Hunter's record is target for Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby hopes to match Paul Hunter’s achievement by winning the Masters three times in four years.

The Jester from Leicester defends his title in snooker’s most prestigious invitation tournament next month.

Selby has an amazing record in the Masters, winning it on his debut in 2008 and again last year, and reaching the final in 2009.

In all, he has won 11 of the 12 matches he has played in the event.

This season’s tournament runs from January 9 to 16 at Wembley Arena and Leicester’s Selby hopes to get level with the late Hunter, who lifted the trophy in 2001, 2002 and 2004.

“To win it for a third time in four years and match Paul’s achievement would be brilliant,” said Selby.

“I’ve got a very good record in the event, I love playing at Wembley and it tends to bring the best out of me.

“The atmosphere in the last two finals against Ronnie O’Sullivan is the best I’ve ever played in.

“Ronnie beat me in 2009 then I beat him last year, so it would be great to meet him in the final for a third time.

“The public might start to get bored of seeing us in the final every year, but I wouldn’t mind!”

Selby believes that the strength of the field makes the Masters harder than ever to win.

“The players are so sharp now because we’ve had a lot more tournaments, so the standard is higher than ever,” said the 27-year-old.

“Plus you’ve got the likes of John Higgins and Mark Williams right back in form, as they showed at the UK Championship.

“John has proved time and time again what a class player he is, and I never doubted that he would be back winning tournaments.

“There’s a very strong group of younger players like myself, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy who are all well capable of winning the big tournaments.

“I’ve been consistent this season and won a couple of smaller events, but I would love to go all the way at the Masters.”

Selby faces Mark King in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday, January 9 at 1.30pm.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:14:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby delighted at Irish return</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The Players Tour Championship Grand Finals will take place in Dublin next March, with Mark Selby hoping to pocket the title and the £60,000 winner’s cheque.

Selby is one of 24 players who qualified for the finals, which will see World Snooker stage a tournament in the Republic of Ireland for the first time in six years.

The event will run from March 16 to 20 at The Helix, and carries world ranking points as well as prize money of £200,000.

Masters champion Mark Selby said: “It’s been quite a few years since we’ve had an event in Dublin but I know how much the fans love snooker in Ireland and all the players will really be looking forward to it.

“The new PTC series has been very successful as it’s kept us playing snooker week-in, week-out, which is what we’ve always wanted. I’m keen to go on to do well in the final event in March.”]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:14:17 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Sky's the limit in Shoot-out</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby will play Andy Hicks in the first round of the new Sky Shoot-out tournament in Blackpool.

The innovative format sees each match consist of one frame which will last a maximum of 10 minutes. There will be a 20-second shot-clock for the first five minutes, and 15 seconds for the remaining five.

The tournament takes place from January 28-30 at the Circus Arena, and the draw for each round will be random.

First round draw: Andrew Higginson v Jamie Burnett, Tom Ford v Stephen Maguire, Robert Milkins v Martin Gould, Fergal O’Brien v Stephen Hendry, Jimmy Michie v Marcus Campbell, Mark King v Jimmy Robertson, Alfie Burden v Matthew Selt, Peter Lines v Barry Hawkins, Ronnie O’Sullivan v Marco Fu, Stephen Lee v Michael Holt, Michael Judge v Alan McManus, Mark Williams v John Higgins, Graeme Dott v Matthew Couch, Adrian Gunnell v David Morris, Jamie Cope v Ken Doherty, Judd Trump v Dave Harold, Barry Pinches v Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy v Rory McLeod, Gerard Greene v Rod Lawler, Matthew Stevens v Mike Dunn, Stuart Pettman v Bjorn Haneveer, Ding Junhui v Dominic Dale, Jimmy White v Ali Carter, Nigel Bond v Joe Jogia, Tony Drago v Liang Wenbo, Joe Perry v Ricky Walden, Joe Swail v Mark Davis, Anthony Hamilton v Anthony McGill, Stuart Bingham v Ian McCulloch, Mark Allen v Ryan Day, Peter Ebdon v Steve Davis.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:21:37 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>King-sized task for Masters champ Selby</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Masters champion Mark Selby will launch the defence of his title with a first-round match against Mark King. 

The Jester from Leicester has been drawn against the Essex cueman for the Wembley showpiece in January.

World No.16 King, who gained a famous win over Selby in the first round of the World Championships in 2008, lost 6-3 in the last 16 against Stephen Maguire last season after coming through the wildcard round with a 6-2 win over Jimmy White.

Selby added to wins over Ding Jungui (6-1), Mark Allen (6-5) and Maguire (6-3) with a thrilling final-frame victory against Ronnie O’Sullivan, prevailing 10-9 in front of a packed crowd.

O’Sullivan will face Mark Allen, while world champion Neil Robertson is up Stephen Hendry. The two wildcards are still to be confirmed. Draw:

Mark Selby v Mark King, Shaun Murphy v Jamie Cope, Mark Williams v Ding Junhui, John Higgins v Graeme Dott, Ali Carter v Peter Ebdon, Stephen Maguire v Marco Fu, Ronnie O’Sullivan v Mark Allen, Neil Robertson v Stephen Hendry

*Selby takes on Chris Henry in the first round of the Russelsheim Cup on Friday, the third event of the European Players Tour Championship series.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:50:52 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby eyes Masters final</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby powered into the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

The world No.8 was in high-scoring form as breaks of 62, 106 and 105 saw him to a 5-1 win against Mark King in the quarter-finals.

The Jester from Leicester now plays Ali Carter in the last four on Saturday, hoping to book his place in the final of the first major ranking event of the season. 

“I’m happy with the way I played overall, but it’s tough out there,” said Selby.

“The conditions are hot and sticky, which make the tables play slow and it’s sometimes hard to get going.

“But it’s the same for everyone and I’ll keep plodding on.”

Selby now faces world No.4 Carter, who fought back to beat rejuvenated Welshman Matthew Stevens 5-4

Jamie Burnett takes on Jamie Cope in the other semi-final.

*Don't forget, you can also follow Mark's progress on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Jester-from-Leicester-Selby/397275248664

and on Twitter:

wwww.twitter.com/markjesterselby]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:06:27 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Selby hoping to avoid a Shanghai surprise</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby will play Chinese wildcard Mei Xiwen in the first round of the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.

Mei, who is ranked just 102nd in the world, set up his clash against the Jester from Leicester with a surprise 5-1 victory against Cleveland cueman Mike Dunn.

Selby was a semi-finalist in Shanghai two years ago and goes into the tournament on the back of a decent run of month during the past couple of months.

As well as winning the Six Reds World Championship, the world No.8 has also won a Players Tour Championship event.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:34:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Mark and Vikki announce their engagement</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Mark Selby will marry girlfriend Vikki Layton after the pair became engaged today during a romantic break in Venice.

The couple have been together for four years, and Mark popped the question during a gondola ride on the Grand Canal.

“Thankfully, she said yes!” said Mark. “I am chuffed to bits.

“She is a great girl and, when you find one, you’ve got to keep hold of them. I’m so happy.

“I got down on one knee to propose, but it was a bit shaky on the gondola, especially as the canal was rough and I can’t swim!

“I chose the ring myself, it’s white gold with diamonds and Vikki loves it, which helps! I’m very lucky indeed.

“We haven’t set a date yet, we’re just enjoying this moment for now.”]]></description>
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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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