CHINA ACE SELBY READY TO RULE THE WORLD AGAIN
MARK SELBY roared out a Crucible warning after claiming a third China Open title last night.
The world No.1 demolished Barry Hawkins 11-3 in Beijing to extend his incredible winning streak in the event to 21 matches.
And reigning and three-time world champion Selby looked back to his best less than two weeks before the world championship.
Selby picked up a whopping £225,000 for this success – the biggest ever prize awarded outside the blue-riband tournament in Sheffield –and he could add another £425,000 by claiming a fourth world title.
Selby, who has won 11 of his last 12 ranking finals, said: “I am ready for the Crucible now. A month ago I was dreading it a bit after a dodgy season, but everything has gone perfectly in China – it has been the best preparation.
“I have not only won the title – a huge tournament in its own right – but won it playing well and scoring heavily. To win 21 matches in a row at any tournament is almost unbelievable, and I will head to Sheffield full of confidence and believing I can win a fourth title.”
With a 14th ranking title Selby has moved into sixth on his own in the all-time list.
Hawkins said: “It was a very bad day at the office for me.
“But Mark can make you play badly and then mop up.”