Mark Selby followed up his UK Open triumph with his third Masters Title to go within one of completing snookers ‘triple crown.’ The “Jester from Leicester” beat Austalia’s Neil Robertson in a high quality final in front of a packed Alexandra Palace Crowd.
Selby had struggled en route to the final, needing a thrilling comeback to recover a 5-1 deficit against Stuart Bingham in Round One to progress in the tournament. The 2008 and 2010 Masters champions then swept aside an out of sorts Mark Williams to face Graeme Dott in the Semi’s. This was a tight, tense match filled with long drawn out safety exchanges and technical battles. Selby demonstrated his fighting spirit to keep pegging the Scotsman back and eventually ground out a 6-5 victory to reach his fourth Masters Final.
Selby was unhappy after his UK Open victory as he felt that his performances had not been up to his best. In this tournament he probably would have felt the same going in to the final. It was clear to see that the Leicester man would need to raise his game to compete with Neil Robertson, who after struggling through round one had looked imperious on his way to the final. Robertson also had the advantage of playing the first semi-final, allowing him to rest while Selby and Dott battled into the early hours of Sunday morning. Come early afternoon, Selby was back on the table and did indeed raise his game.
From the first frame the Brit looked the better player. Potting well, building breaks and playing decisive safety shots, Selby was in total control. He fended of a Robertson mid match fight back to seal the title and was a worthy winner. Having demonstrated his full ability in the final, Selby will surely feel happier about this win that his UK Open Crown.
With the World Championships around the corner in April, Selby will be the target man for the rest of the field. Especially as it would appear that reigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will not be defending his crown. Having followed up the UK Open with the Masters title, Selby will be looking to become only the fourth player to win snookers ‘triple crown’ in one season. If he adds the World Championship to his decorated CV, Selby can list himself as one of the greats of snooker. 
