Rankings lift for Selby

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.