Selby hails Lisowski’s natural ability as ‘the closest I’ve seen to O’sullivan’

Mark Selby insists next month’s Masters will not be played in a weakened field despite Ronnie O’sullivan’s withdrawal from the event.

O’sullivan has elected not to play in the second Triple Crown tournament of the season, Ali Carter taking his place as the top 16 players in the world compete at Alexandra Palace.

But the present and future of the sport is in good hands according to Selby, pictured, who beat Jack Lisowski in Sunday’s Scottish Open final to claim his second Home Nations title of the season.

Lisowski has yet to win a ranking title but is among those expected to challenge at the top, and Selby believes his fellow Englishman can be a more-than-apt replacement for the absent Rocket.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a weakened field. With Jack playing like that I’d say he’s almost replaced Ronnie,” said Selby after victory in

Glasgow. “I’m over the moon to win. I knew I needed to perform because if I didn’t he could easily blow me away like a Ronnie O’sullivan sort of player.

“Jack is fantastic and great to watch – he’s probably actually the closest I’ve seen to O’sullivan in terms of natural ability, and if I wasn’t playing him in the final I’d have wanted him to win as he’s a phenomenal talent.”

Selby faces off with Carter in the first round in London while Kyren Wilson stands in the way of Lisowski.

Though he is still without a ranking title to his name, his Scottish setback a third defeat in a major final, Lisowski takes considerable confidence from his week in Scotland and predicts a blockbuster 2020 is on the horizon.

“I’ve got to take the positives and it’s been a big step forward for me this week – I’ve built some momentum and played some amazing snooker,” said the 28-year-old.

“You’ve got to think about defeats rationally otherwise you can get depressed. There are so many other tournaments so it’s just a numbers game and about consistency rather than blowing hot and cold.

“My game is a little bit onedimensional and I’m still learning the other part of it. When I learn that, I’ll be a good player. I just need to combine that flamboyant side with the safety side.”

• The Scottish Open was live on Eurosport, Eurosport Player and Quest with studio analysis from Ronnie O’sullivan and Jimmy White.