LEICESTER — In a titanic, nerve-shredding clash that lived up to its billing, Mark Selby edged out defending champion Mark Williams 6-5 in a final-frame decider to book his place in the semi-finals of the 2023 Champion of Champions at the Morningside Arena.
The 'Jester from Leicester' delivered a performance of immense grit and tactical nous on home turf, ultimately overcoming a resilient Williams who fought back from 5-3 down to force a deciding frame. The victory not only avenged Selby's loss to Williams in the final of the British Open just weeks prior but also kept alive his dream of claiming the Champion of Champions title for the first time in his illustrious career.
From the outset, the match was a masterclass in high-stakes matchplay, pitting Selby's renowned granite-like safety game against Williams' fluid, attacking style. The capacity crowd was treated to a contest of fluctuating momentum, where no lead ever felt entirely safe and the outcome remained in doubt until the final black ball was potted.
A Tense Start and a Flurry of Breaks
The opening frames set the tone for the evening. Williams, looking sharp and composed as the reigning title holder, drew first blood with a break of 68. Selby, however, responded immediately, showcasing his trademark resilience by taking a scrappy second frame to level the score. The match then ignited, with both players trading substantial contributions.
Selby fired in a superb century, a 103, to take the lead, only for Williams to counter with a run of 80 to make it 2-2 at the mid-session interval. The Welshman, known for his laid-back demeanor but lethal potting, seemed unfazed by the occasion, but Selby's relentless pressure was a constant presence at the table.
Selby Builds a Crucial Two-Frame Cushion
Upon the resumption of play, the match entered a critical phase. The fifth and sixth frames were split, keeping the scores level at 3-3. It was here that Selby demonstrated why he is a four-time world champion, digging deep to win two consecutive frames and establish a 5-3 lead, moving to within one frame of victory.
The key moments in this phase were not just about big breaks, but also about crucial, pressure-laden pots and tactical duels that slowly squeezed Williams' opportunities. Selby later reflected on the intensity, stating, "It was always going to be a tough game against Mark. He's a great competitor and the defending champion."
Williams' Gritty Fightback Forces the Decider
Just as it seemed Selby would close out the match, Williams summoned the spirit of a champion. Refusing to surrender his title without a fierce battle, the Welshman reeled off two frames in a row, capitalizing on a few uncharacteristic errors from Selby to level the contest at 5-5. The comeback showcased Williams' incredible fighting spirit and set the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
The momentum had visibly shifted, and the Leicester crowd grew tense. Williams, now with his tail up, seemed to have found a second wind. The prospect of a repeat of his British Open triumph, where he also defeated Selby, suddenly felt very real.
The Decider: Nerves, Tactics, and a Final Flourish
The final frame was a microcosm of the entire match: a tense, tactical affair where every shot carried immense weight. Both players had opportunities, but it was Selby who ultimately held his nerve. After a period of cautious safety exchange, he crafted a decisive, match-winning break of 67 to seal a famous 6-5 victory on home soil.
The relief and delight were evident on Selby's face as the final ball dropped. He had not only secured his semi-final berth but had done so by conquering one of the form players of the season in the most pressurised of circumstances. Analysing the decider, Selby noted, "In the end, I managed to get over the line in a close one, which is always pleasing."
Post-Match Reactions and Looking Ahead
Despite the defeat, Williams was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the quality of the contest. He praised his opponent's resolve, saying, "It was a great game, it could have gone either way. I had my chances in the last frame, but Mark held himself together brilliantly under pressure."
For Selby, the victory was a significant boost, both in terms of confidence and his ambitions for this specific tournament. The Champion of Champions is one of the few major titles missing from his CV, and beating the defending champion in such a manner sends a clear message to the rest of the field.
The win sets up a semi-final clash with the winner of the match between Judd Trump and Chris Wakelin. Selby will take immense belief from this performance, knowing he has the game and the mental fortitude to go all the way. The key takeaways from his quarter-final triumph include:
- Resilience: Overcoming a late fightback from a confident opponent.
- Tactical Acumen: Winning the key safety battles at critical moments.
- Clinical Finishing: Composing a match-winning break under extreme pressure.
This match was more than just a quarter-final; it was a statement of intent from Mark Selby. In a tournament featuring all of snooker's recent champions, he proved that on his day, his combination of tactical mastery and scoring power makes him one of the most formidable opponents on the circuit. As the competition moves towards its climax, Selby has positioned himself as a serious contender for the crown.
