I want to be Champion of Champions, says Selby
LEICESTER’S WORLD NO.1 IS HOPING TO CLAIM MAIDEN TITLE IN BOLTON
NEW world No.1 and reigning world champion Mark Selby is hoping to claim his first Champion of Champions crown this week.
The Jester from Leicester, who has toppled Judd Trump from the top of the rankings, faces Derby’s David Gilbert in his first match today at the University of Bolton Stadium.
If Selby wins, he could face his Crucible final opponent Shaun Murphy, providing the Englishman gets past China’s Yan Bingtao.
Selby is determined to add the Champion of Champions crown to his four world titles, having twice reached the semifinals.
He said: “For me, it’s one of the biggest tournaments we play in. I see it as the second Masters.
“Probably not the top 16 in the world but probably the best 16 players on form, at that present tournament.
“It’s one of my goals to win the Champion of Champions. It’s one of the tournaments that are still on my bucket list to win I would say.
“It’s a one-table format. Every match you go into it feels like a final because all eyes are just on yourself, the opponent, and the ref.
“There are few tournaments like that. I think that’s what makes it very special.”
Selby was the first player to make a 147 at the Champion of Champions in 2018.
“It was an amazing feeling. Making one in any tournament but doing it live on TV is extra special,” he said.
“Also, in the Champion of Champions, it was the firstever 147 on ITV, it was a nice sort of record to have.
“The last 18 months have been tough for everyone in sport having no fans.”
Last year, Selby lost out to Neil Robertson 6-5 in the semifinal.
He said: “I had a good tournament. I had a fantastic game against Neil, we both played great in the semi-final.
“Whoever missed one shot that was it, the frame was gone.
“From what I remember, we both had a few centuries, it was a great standard.
“I was disappointed to lose in the semis, but Neil played fantastically. It would be nice to go one better.”
The tournament runs until Sunday, November 21, with group semi-finals and finals followed by the semi-finals and showpiece final.
Trump has already reached the semi-finals after thrashing David Lilley 4-1 and then Ryan Day 6-0.
Other big names taking part include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Kyren Wilson, John Higgins and Aussie star Robertson, who comes in fresh from winning the English Open.
The Thunder from Down Under beat Trump 10-9 in the 2019 final but lost to Mark Allen 10-6 in last year’s final.