MASTERS IS SPECIAL FOR SELBY

CUE BEAUTY: Mark Selby is eyeing another trophy at the Ally Pally MARK SELBY admits the Masters will always hold a special place in his heart having set him on the road to stardom. Selby, 34, has now been world No.1 for an astonishing 153 weeks in a row – just days shy of three years at the top. And the ‘Jester from Leicester’ is also the reigning world champion, having lifted the trophy in three of the last four years at The Crucible.

But it was at the prestigious Masters tournament, exclusively reserved for the world’s top 16 players, that he won a first tour title in 2008.

The invitation event established Selby’s reputation as a nerveless iceman with countless comebacks, final-frame wins and three titles. He plays in the curtain-raiser against two-time winner Mark Williams this afternoon at Alexandra Palace. And he admits the Triple Crown majors of the UK Championship, World Championship and Masters are what get his juices flowing.

Selby said: “It really doesn’t seem 10 years ago since that happened and I am not sure where the time has gone.

“There is no doubt that winning a first major title was a milestone in my career.

“Getting to the World Championship final a few months before had set me on the right path and given me confidence.

“But actually winning the Masters and getting my hands on the trophy is a special memory.

“My main recollections of that 2008 final against Stephen Lee are that the first session was a bit scrappy, then I played really well and finished it with a 141.

“So yes, winning the Masters is what made me as a serious, big-time player.

“My goals are probably now more linked to the majors – win the Masters again, win the UK Championship again and, of course, win the World Championship again.

“Ronnie O’Sullivan equalled that Stephen Hendry record of 18 majors by winning the UK in December. And, like me, you know he will give it everything for another Masters title.”