In a nail-biting clash that left fans on the edge of their seats, Mark Selby emerged victorious in a dramatic decider against Mark Williams, securing his spot in the Champion of Champions semi-finals. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it Selby’s resilience or Williams’ missed opportunities that defined this match? Let’s dive in.
The quarter-final showdown in Leicester featured two snooker legends—Mark Selby and defending champion Mark Williams—who together boast seven world titles. Wales’ Williams stormed ahead early, claiming the first two frames with impressive breaks of 77 and 114. Yet, England’s Selby wasn’t about to back down. He fired back with two half-centuries and a stunning 136 break, seizing the next four frames to lead 4-2. And this is the part most people miss—Selby’s ability to shift momentum in high-pressure situations is what makes him a force to reckon with.
However, Williams, known for his tenacity, fought back fiercely, winning three grueling frames to edge ahead 5-4. The tension was palpable as Selby, a Leicester native, responded with a crucial 95 break in the 10th frame, followed by a 55-run to clinch the match 6-5. Was Selby’s hometown advantage a game-changer, or did Williams simply run out of steam?
Post-match, Selby reflected on the rollercoaster encounter, telling ITV4, ‘It was chaos towards the end. I felt in control at 4-2, but Mark showed why he’s a champion—he fought back, and suddenly I was 5-4 down, feeling dizzy. I’m just relieved to have pulled through. There’s nothing quite like performing well in your hometown.’
Earlier on Wednesday, Selby had dispatched Alfie Burden 4-0, while the 50-year-old Williams dominated Scotland’s Stephen Maguire with the same scoreline. Looking ahead, Thursday’s matches promise more excitement: Australia’s Neil Robertson faces England’s Tom Ford, and Scotland’s John Higgins takes on China’s Xiao Guodong.
So, what’s your take? Did Selby’s mental toughness seal the deal, or did Williams falter under pressure? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!