Selby claims fourth world title
SNOOKER
SHEFFIELD: Mark Selby beat fellow Englishman Shaun Murphy to claim a fourth world snooker title yesterday as a capacity crowd was allowed at a British sporting event for the first time in more than a year.
Selby, nicknamed the Jester from Leicester, held his nerve in a tense evening session to triumph 1815 and claim the title for the first time since 2017.
The 37yearold led 107 after Monday’s first two sessions but Murphy won yesterday’s opening frame and came agonisingly close to making it 109 when a final black failed to drop in frame 19.
Selby potted the black to lead 118 and looked comfortable as he moved 1713 ahead.
But with the almost 1000 fans, all wearing face coverings, desperate to witness some late drama Murphy made consecutive century breaks to close to within two frames.
Murphy, who won the 2005 title as a 1501 qualifier, looked poised to narrow the gap to one frame but he narrowly missed a crucial last red and Selby pounced to make a winning clearance and take the title.
‘‘To win it four times is something I could only have dreamed of,’’ Selby said.
‘‘I thought Shaun played fantastic all the way through the match. He’s a great, great player, a great ambassador for the game.’’
Murphy said playing in front of a capacity crowd at snooker’s iconic venue had been extra special.
‘‘Sport is nothing without fans and we’ve been thrilled to have everyone back and a full house tonight,’’ he said.
The finale was a significant moment for British sport as a capacity crowd was allowed inside an arena for the first time in more than a year since the Covid19 pandemic hit.
Master of ceremonies Rob Walker said it was a Crucible roar like no other as the players resumed yesterday in front of 980 fans, all of whom had negative Covid19 tests.
‘‘The final transcends snooker,’’ he said.
‘‘You couldn’t feel the electricity to begin with but as we’ve edged towards the end you’ve felt it and we’ve heard the Crucible roar,’’ he said.
The tournament, part of the Government’s pilot scheme to ensure fans can safely return to sporting and cultural venues, was restricted to 33% capacity at the start and 75% were allowed for the quarterfinals and semifinals.