Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Welcome Matt’s not an option
MATT SELT knows he is just a bit-part in the Stephen Hendry comeback drama – and admits to being in a “no-win situation”.
Record seven-time world champion Hendry finally emerges from nine years of hibernation tomorrow at the Gibraltar Open.
And for the big occasion fate has thrown him close friend, practice partner and regular golfing buddy Selt as a first challenge.
Against anyone else, world No.25 Selt would be cheering on Hendry louder than most.
But while the 35-year-old insists he will be giving everything, he knows that will make him about “as popular as the man who shot Bambi’s mum.”
Though their head-tohead record stands at 1-1, Selt has just one ranking
title success, in India two years ago, compared to Hendry’s 36, including all those Crucible crowns.
Selt said: “It’s nice to be the centre of the snooker universe for a change. When I heard the draw I couldn’t stop laughing.
“It probably makes it easier for him that we are friends, coming back after such a long time. I fear he’ll feel more at ease, and that gives him a better chance of putting in a good performance. I’m expecting all guns blazing from him.
“Of course, I am going to be trying my best to win and beat him but there is also something big happening. If I beat him I’d be as popular as the man who shot Bambi’s mother. I am in a no-win situation.
“I have never been close to the top 16, and whenever I play on TV I seem to s**t myself. So it’s a good game for me too, having that spotlight but against a pal.”