Selby clinches Masters on first attempt

LONDON: England's Mark Selby joined snooker luminaries John Spencer, Doug Mountjoy, Terry Griffiths and Stephen Hendry on Sunday by winning the British Masters on his first attempt.

Selby trounced compatriot Stephen Lee 10-3 at the Wembley Arena and stormed to victory winning eight frames on the trot after briefly trailing 3-2.

The champion also recorded four century breaks in all, clinching the decisive frame with a clearance of 141, the joint highest break of the week-long tournament.

"I've been knocking on the door for a while. The world championship would have been nice last season, but to win the Masters is amazing," said 24-year-old Selby.

"It means the world to me to win this tournament. To win the Masters as my first title is a dream come true.

"I'm only 24, but this week I've felt like I was 40. The nerves obviously do get to me, but I didn't show them and I managed to play good snooker."

Lee paid tribute to Selby.

"The games have got harder all week long, but Mark played some good strong snooker," said the runner-up Lee.

"I'm gutted I've lost, especially for the lots of people who have turned up to watch me. Hopefully there'll be a next time.

"I wanted to win this title for my good pal Paul Hunter, so hopefully I can still do that one day."

AFP

(China Daily 01/22/2008 page24)