BRENTWOOD — Mark Selby produced a moment of trademark steel and class to edge a thrilling quarter-final encounter with Jackson Page, sealing a 5-4 victory with a superb 131 clearance in the deciding frame to book his place in the semi-finals of the 2024 English Open.
The four-time world champion was pushed to the absolute limit by the talented young Welshman in a match that swung back and forth, featuring a barrage of heavy scoring and tense tactical exchanges. Ultimately, it was Selby’s vast experience and unshakable nerve under the most intense pressure that proved the difference, setting up a last-four clash with China’s Zhang Anda.
A Clash of Generations
The match at the Brentwood Centre was a classic contrast in styles and career stages. On one side of the table stood Selby, 41, the seasoned veteran known as ‘The Jester from Leicester’ for his formidable tactical prowess and ability to grind out results. On the other was 22-year-old Page, a prodigiously gifted left-hander widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the game, playing with a fearless attacking flair.
The encounter lived up to its billing from the outset. Selby took a tight opening frame, but Page responded immediately, showcasing his talent with breaks of 78 and 108 to seize a 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval. The young Welshman’s fluid cue action and aggressive potting were causing Selby significant problems.
Selby Fights Back
Emerging from the interval, the match’s momentum shifted decisively. Selby, a master at resetting and adapting, began to impose his will. He dug deep to take a scrappy fifth frame, halting Page’s progress, before firing in a run of 78 to level the contest at 3-3. The pressure was now firmly back on the younger player.
Page, to his immense credit, did not wilt. He responded to Selby’s resurgence with a magnificent century of his own, a 103, to move within one frame of a huge victory at 4-3. With his back against the wall, Selby once again demonstrated why he is a multiple world champion, coolly compiling a break of 85 to force a nail-biting final-frame decider.
The Deciding Frame Masterclass
The ninth and final frame was a microcosm of the entire match: tense, high-quality, and ultimately decided by a moment of sheer brilliance. Both players had opportunities in the early exchanges, but it was Selby who first found a telling opening. With the balls at his mercy, the world number five embarked on what would become a match-winning total clearance.
What made the 131 break so remarkable was not just its timing, but its execution under immense psychological pressure. Every pot was clinical, every positional shot precise. As the break mounted, the crowd fell silent, rising to their feet in appreciation as Selby potted the final black to secure his place in the semi-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Post-Match Reactions
A relieved and delighted Selby was full of praise for his young opponent in his post-match interview. "Jackson is a great talent, he’s unbelievable for the game. He’s so attacking, he goes for his shots and he’s a lovely lad as well. It was a great game to be involved in and I’m just pleased to get over the line."
He then reflected on the pressure of the final frame, acknowledging the risk involved in his aggressive approach. "I was just trying to get a chance. In a decider, anyone can win, it’s a flip of a coin. I got my chance and managed to take it. I had to go for my shots because if I’d have played safe, Jackson would have potted me into trouble."
For Page, it was a crushing defeat but one filled with positives. He has consistently shown he can compete with the very best, and his performance against a player of Selby’s calibre will only enhance his reputation. The future undoubtedly remains bright for the Welshman.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
Selby’s victory sets up a fascinating semi-final clash against Zhang Anda, who continued his own impressive run by defeating John Higgins. Selby will be hoping to capture his first ranking title since winning the English Open itself back in 2023, a victory that would be a huge boost to his season.
The key factors that propelled Selby to this quarter-final win will be crucial again:
- Experience in Deciders: His ability to hold his nerve is unmatched.
- Heavy Scoring: When chances arise, he punishes opponents severely.
- Tactical Intelligence: He can switch his game plan to disrupt rhythm.
- Mental Fortitude: The belief that he can always find a way to win.
This victory was a stark reminder of Mark Selby’s enduring quality. While new stars like Jackson Page are emerging, the Leicester man proved that his competitive fire and skill remain a potent force. His stunning 131 break to win was not just a passage into the next round; it was a statement of intent to every other player left in the tournament.
