MARK SELBY claimed a sensational third world title in four years last night to join the Crucible elite.
But the 33-year-old overcame a big scare as he battled back to stun John Higgins and eventually win 18-15.
The Jester from Leicester successfully defended his Betfred World Championship crown almost a year to the day after his beloved Foxes shocked the world by lifting the Premier League title.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest sports news, gossip and rumours
Today is the actual anniversary of the moment Claudio Ranieri’s “Dilly-Ding, Dilly-Dong” champions sealed their footballing feat.
And Selby said: “It is an unbelievable feeling — I am still pinching myself to win a third title.
“At 10-7 on Sunday night I was over the moon having been outplayed and 10-4 behind. Then I found something from somewhere.
“It is very special to be in a group of only four to have defended the title.”
Just like his 5,000-1 heroes, Selby had looked a rank outsider for the title when he slumped to 10-4 down on Sunday night.
But a devastating burst gave him revenge for the 2007 final in Sheffield, when as a qualifier he lost out to big favourite Higgins.
A staggering onslaught from Selby saw him take 14 frames of the last 19 for victory.
There has only been one bigger comeback in Crucible final history – the famous 1985 ‘black-ball final’ when Dennis Taylor trailed Steve Davis 9-1 at one stage.
Selby’s comeback was agony for Higgins, 41, who was eyeing a fifth world title to draw level with long-time rival Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Both players had history on their minds as they walked out in a crackling Crucible atmosphere last night.
Selby admitted he had been left flat in the early part of the final from his draining semi-final exertions against Ding Junhui. But resuming at 10-7 adrift he looked a completely different animal yesterday afternoon.
By the time the pair were hauled off a frame short of the scheduled eight Selby led 13-11 having won nine of the last 10 — and five away from the title.
Higgins, who won this season’s China Championship and the Champion of Champions in Coventry, hit back from 16-12 down, but Selby held firm.
Although he had to overcome a hugely controversial moment in the 31st frame when leading 47-0.
Ref Jan Verhaas penalised him for failing to reach the black.
MOST READ IN SPORT
Selby claimed the cue ball had touched and TV replays were inconclusive — with Higgins then closing to 16-15.
But Selby responded like a champion and there was plenty more history made for a player who has remained at world No 1 for well over two years.
Selby becomes just the fourth man after Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and O’Sullivan to defend the title at the Crucible.
And in doing so he became a fitting champion as the sport celebrated 40 years of the World Championship at the iconic venue.
This was also a fifth ranking title in the same season for Selby — equalling the record jointly held by Ding and Hendry.
Higgins said: “It’s been a fantastic tournament, this 40th anniversary one, and I am proud of myself.
“I gave it absolutely everything and came up just short to a great champion, he was just too good.
“Mark has to be one of the all-time greats now — he is so tough to play against. But there is life in this old dog yet, and I think I can come back and do well here.”
Leave a comment