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Four-time world champion Mark Selby had a tough safety battle with Judd Trump before racing away to win 10-5 and claim the Champion of Champions title for the first time in his career.
Playing in front of his home fans at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, the 42-year-old Selby showed his trademark determination to win a tense tactical duel before breaking in the 138th minute and then sprinting away.
“This tournament only has the best players, so it’s a privilege,” Selby told ITV.
“I played well today but I knew I had to do it. Jude is the man to beat.
“It seems like it’s been a long time since I played at this level.”
World number one Trump (36 years old) had a great start and led 3-1 with a double-century break, but lost in his first final of the season due to some long defensive frames.
Selby’s semi-final win over Neil Robertson involved a 63-minute frame that was decided on final black.
He once again showed his patience and perseverance to defeat Trump.
After a 25-minute battle over the final red in frame 10, the duo traded 25 shots over one red in the pack later, with the threat of a re-rack eventually leading to Selby taking over.
Selby then showed his class with a scintillating 138 and cruised to three successive centuries to win nine of 11 frames as Trump lost the final for the fifth time.
Trump told ITV: “There are no positives. Mark was the best player all week and absolutely deserved the win.
“I couldn’t win that cue. I’m not making excuses, I chose that cue but I can’t get used to it. I really struggled.”
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