BOLTON — Mark Selby produced a trademark display of gritty, tactical snooker to defeat Neil Robertson 6-3 in a gripping semi-final at the 2023 Champion of Champions, a match ultimately defined by an extraordinary, marathon 63-minute third frame that was decided on a dramatic black-ball re-spot.
The 'Jester from Leicester', a four-time World Champion renowned for his mental fortitude, weathered a barrage of heavy scoring from the Australian in the early stages before imposing his will on the contest. The victory at the Bolton Whites Hotel booked Selby's place in the final against the in-form Judd Trump, setting up a clash of snooker's titans for the prestigious title and a £150,000 top prize.
A Battle of Heavyweights
From the outset, the match promised a fascinating contrast in styles. Robertson, the 2015 Champion of Champions winner, started in blistering form, crafting a break of 134 to take the opening frame with authority. Selby, however, responded immediately, demonstrating his own break-building prowess with a run of 92 to level the match. The stage was set for a high-quality encounter, but what followed in the third frame was a masterclass in tactical endurance that would sap the momentum from the match and test the resolve of both former world champions.
The Marathon Frame That Changed Everything
The third frame descended into a gruelling war of attrition. With both players fiercely contesting every safety shot, the frame stretched on for a total of 63 minutes and 41 seconds. The tension was palpable as the players traded blows in a safety exchange that seemed to have no end. The frame eventually came down to a battle on the final black ball, with both players having opportunities to win it before a nail-biting re-spot was required.
After a prolonged safety duel on the re-spotted black, it was Selby who finally engineered a chance. He potted a difficult long black to clinch the frame, a pivotal moment that seemed to drain Robertson's early fluency. Speaking after the match, Selby acknowledged the frame's significance, stating, "It was a massive frame. To go 2-1 up instead of 2-1 down was huge, especially against someone like Neil who can blow you away."
Robertson, known for his free-flowing, attacking game, was visibly frustrated by the protracted nature of the frame. The Australian later reflected on the psychological impact, telling reporters, "That frame just killed the rhythm of the match. It was a tough one to lose after being in it for so long."
Selby Seizes Control
Buoyed by stealing the marathon frame, Selby capitalized on Robertson's evident frustration. He won the next two frames with breaks of 71 and 89 to extend his lead to 4-1, suddenly putting clear daylight between himself and his opponent. Robertson managed to stop the rot by taking a scrappy sixth frame, but Selby immediately responded by winning the seventh to move within one frame of the final at 5-2.
To his credit, Robertson refused to surrender, producing a magnificent century break of 106 to reduce the deficit to 5-3 and remind everyone of his formidable scoring power. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were swiftly extinguished in the very next frame, where Selby clinically sealed the 6-3 victory and his place in the final.
Post-Match Reactions
Both players recognized the third frame as the match's turning point. Selby elaborated on his mindset during the epic safety battle, saying, "You just have to try and stay focused. It’s easy to lose concentration in frames like that, but I knew how important it was. I was just pleased to eventually get over the line in it."
Robertson was left to rue what might have been, pinpointing the key difference in the match. "I started off great with the 134, but that third frame was the killer," he admitted. "Mark is the best in the world at that kind of game, and he just dragged me into it and came out on top."
The Road to the Final
Selby's path to the semi-final was itself impressive. He navigated a tough group stage, which included a hard-fought victory over the newly-crowned International Championship winner, Zhang Anda. His ability to grind out results and perform under pressure was evident throughout the tournament, qualities that were perfectly showcased in his semi-final triumph over Robertson.
The key factors in Selby's victory over Robertson were:
- Mental Fortitude: His unwavering concentration during the 63-minute frame broke Robertson's rhythm.
- Tical Superiority: Selby consistently won the safety exchanges, forcing errors from his opponent.
- Clinical Finishing: When presented with opportunities, he compiled match-winning breaks with ruthless efficiency.
- Experience: His knowledge of how to manage high-pressure situations was paramount.
A Final Showdown with Trump
The win set up a mouth-watering final against Judd Trump, who had earlier defeated Chris Wakelin 6-1 in a dominant display. The final pitted Selby's methodical, safety-first approach against Trump's explosive, attacking style—a classic clash of snooker philosophies. Trump was in phenomenal form throughout the week, but Selby had proven once again that he possesses the tools to disrupt even the most fluid of players.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Selby said, "Judd is the best player in the world on current form, without a doubt. I’ll have to be at my very best. It’s a great venue, a great crowd, and it’s a fantastic final for everyone to look forward to."
The 2023 Champion of Champions final was not just a battle for a trophy, but a contest to see which style of play would prevail on one of snooker's biggest invitational stages. Selby's victory over Robertson, sealed in that unforgettable 63-minute frame, was a stark reminder that in the theatre of snooker, patience and resilience can be just as devastating as a century break.
