Mark Selby's Return to Pool Pays Dividends

During a barren spell, Selby also made a return to the pool table in a sport where he’s enjoyed much success over the years. Could that break have led to a strong end to the snooker year?

Mark Selby's Return to Pool Pays Dividends

Mark Selby's Return to Pool
_{Photo by Lucian Nu?a via Flickr (under license CC BY-SA 2.0)}

The Rocket Ranked

Versatile cue-man Mark Selby was made to wait a long time for his 21st ranking snooker title. After winning his fourth World Championship in 2021, the Jester from Leicester seemed set for a productive period. During a barren spell, Selby also made a return to the pool table in a sport where he’s enjoyed much success over the years. Could that break have led to a strong end to the snooker year?

Brecel Brushed Aside

That 21st ranking title finally came as Mark Selby overcame Luca Brecel in the final of the English Open. After the Leicester man took an early lead, the Belgian staged a fightback before Selby closed out the final by nine frames to six.

The Jester wasn’t laughing too much at the end of the tournament. Instead, he was clearly emotional as he explained how he had been battling depression for some time. It’s a complex condition but all cue sports fans will hope that Mark Selby is on the road to recovery. Winning major snooker tournaments is getting harder as the sport becomes more competitive and Selby felt that this win was his biggest achievement in the game.

Selby’s Main Target

Along with his biggest rivals, Mark Selby’s main target in 2023 will be the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield. Victory will have given the player more confidence, while there is renewed interest in Selby in the betting markets.

The 2023 edition of the World Championships will take place at the Crucible from April 15th to May 1st. After winning a record-equalling seventh title last year, the majority of betting sites have listed Ronnie O’Sullivan as the favorite to retain his crown.

Judd Trump is just behind at the head of a chasing pack that includes Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Mark Allen, John Higgins and Kyren Wilson.

Starting with The Masters in January, there is a lot of snooker to be played between now and April 15. Sbo.net is monitoring those odds from around the industry and they will update the figures when any changes come in.

Supporting information is provided in the shape of breaking news, opinion and useful betting guides. Each bookmaker receives a comprehensive review and, if they appeal, it's possible to register.

All betting operators linked to SBO are able to accept eligible new players who complete a secure online sign up form. Upon receipt of those details, many sportsbooks will offer a generous welcome promotion.

A wide ranging set of funding options are in place to cover opening bets, while efficient customer services will be among a selection of other benefits. Ongoing promotions, mobile app betting and the option for live sports streaming may also be on the table.

It’s a useful site for betting on all available cue sports, but can Mark Selby build on that English Open success ahead of a productive new year?

A Notable Cue Sports First

Mark Selby’s pool career has also produced some highlights. English eight-ball and Chinese eight-ball are his specialties and, in 2006, he won the World Championships in the English eight-ball version.

In claiming that title, Selby became the first, and so far only player to have been a world champion in both snooker and pool. He also claimed a runner up place in the Chinese eight-ball World Championships in 2015.

Selby enjoyed a return to pool in 2022. Playing with his brother-in-law, Gareth Potts, the Jester entered the Ultimate Pool Pairs Cup in August and the duo claimed a group nine victory.

Many other snooker players have made a temporary switch to the smaller table. Mark Allen was the latest to sign up when he made his pool debut in August. Some may see it as a diversion, but Mark Selby is clearly very serious about both cue sports.

Pool may have also given the Leicester man a welcome break from his main focus. He was at his best for much of the English Open and it’s good to see him competing for major ranking titles once again.

One of the most versatile players on the circuit could probably be competitive in all cue sports. He remains focused on snooker for now, but will that win in Brentwood set Mark Selby up for a more productive 2023 and a possible challenge for the world title?

Title: Mark Selby's Return to Pool Pays Dividends
Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
Published: 12/21/2022 2:42:50 AM
Last Updated: 12/21/2022 2:53:20 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum

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