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Selby sees off Saengkham to seal historic fourth China Open crown

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Selby captured his record-breaking fourth China Open crown

Mark Selby was crowned the China Open champion for a record-breaking fourth time on Sunday following his 10-6 victory over Noppon Saengkham.

The Jester won eight of the last 10 frames from 4-2 behind to move clear of Mark Williams and become the most successful player in the tournament’s history.

Selby also claimed a record-breaking eighth ranking title on Chinese soil as he pocketed a cheque for £250,000, which lifts him to fifth place in the WST rankings.

The 43-year-old was ultimately too strong for his opponent, who was unable to claim another scalp during the week in which he had already defeated Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Shaun Murphy.

“I felt like I played some really good stuff this week, somewhere near close to my best. I had to today,” Selby said.

“Noppon played great. He’s had a fantastic tournament, he’s probably one of the nicest guys on the circuit.

“I felt like I was very fortunate to get out of the first session at 4-4 because Noppon was the better player. I was just holding onto him from 4-2 down. I then played a lot better tonight, which was pleasing.”

Selby had won 12 of his 15 previous meetings with Saengkham, and a terrific total clearance of 138 put him 2-1 to the good.

The Thai, appearing in his second career ranking final, responded with breaks of 80 and 51 as he won the next three frames for a 4-2 lead.

Saengkham opened frame seven with 57 before Selby hit back with 53. Following a tactical exchange, the world number 44 missed a tricky black along the top cushion, allowing the Jester to reduce his deficit before levelling at the conclusion of the first session.

The four-time World champion had dropped just seven frames on route to his sixth China Open final, notably inflicting successive 6-1 routs on Kyren Wilson and Neil Robertson.

He went into overdrive in the second session. Breaks of 58, 90, 69 and 52 made it six frames on the spin, and moved him 8-4 in front.

Saengkham, aiming to become only the third ranking event winner from Thailand after James Wattana and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, stopped the rot with 71, and got to the snookers required stage in frame 14 with a contribution of 68.

However, Selby recovered to snatch it on the black and, though the Thai stayed alive with 61, a run of 57 got the Jester over the line.

“I feel very happy,” added Saengkham after the £100,000 runners-up prize ensured his biggest career pay day.

“I think I played OK today, but Mark was too strong for me. He put me under pressure. It’s a very good game to learn from.”