The short version
- Mark Selby defeated Noppon Saengkham 10-6 to win his fourth China Open title.
- The victory moves Selby from ninth to fifth in the world rankings and adds to his total of 26 ranking event wins.
- Saengkham climbed 18 places in the standings after reaching his second career ranking final.
Mark Selby has secured a historic fourth China Open title, cementing his status as the most successful player in the tournament's history. The 43-year-old Englishman defeated Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham with a final score of 10-6 in Taiyuan. This victory marks a significant achievement for Selby, who previously won the event in 2015, 2017, and 2018. By adding this trophy to his collection, he has now accumulated 26 ranking event titles throughout his career.
The match itself was characterized by a distinct shift in momentum between sessions. Selby began the contest under pressure, trailing 4-2 after an early setback despite compiling a notable 138 break in the third frame. However, he managed to stabilize his performance, taking the final two frames of the first session to level the score at 4-4. This resilience set the stage for a dominant display in the evening session.
Upon resumption of play, Selby demonstrated considerable offensive prowess. He recorded breaks of 58, 90, 69, and 53 to win four consecutive frames, establishing a commanding lead that proved difficult for his opponent to overcome. His ability to control the tempo and execute high-quality shots allowed him to dictate the terms of the match during this critical phase.
Saengkham, appearing in only his second ranking final, showed resilience by responding with a 71 break. He managed to win one frame after Selby’s initial surge, keeping the contest alive for a time. However, Selby’s tactical discipline and safety play ultimately proved decisive. The Englishman laid two excellent snookers to recover and take the 14th frame, sealing the victory with another half-century break.
This tournament represented a notable return for Selby in Chinese finals. It was his first appearance in a ranking final in China in eight years. The win carries substantial financial rewards, with Selby claiming the top prize of £250,000. Saengkham received £100,000 as the runner-up, a significant sum that reflects the prestige of the event.
The results have immediate implications for the world rankings. Selby’s victory lifts him from ninth to fifth in the standings, reinforcing his position among the sport's elite. For Saengkham, despite the loss, the performance was beneficial. His run to the final helps him climb 18 places in the world rankings, moving him up to 27th overall.
Selby attributed his success to a strong week of play, noting that he performed near his best level. He expressed satisfaction with standing as champion after navigating the challenges presented by Saengkham. The Englishman’s ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure was evident throughout the final session.
Saengkham acknowledged Selby’s strength and control during the match. He noted that while he held an early advantage, the dynamic shifted significantly in the evening. Despite the defeat, Saengkham expressed determination to continue improving, aiming for future championship success. His comments highlighted respect for Selby’s safety game and overall command of the contest.
This victory adds another layer to Selby’s legacy as a four-time world champion. His consistency in high-stakes environments continues to define his career. The China Open title serves as a testament to his enduring skill and ability to compete at the highest level, even after two decades in the professional game.
Looking ahead, the implications of this result extend beyond the immediate rankings movement. Selby’s form suggests he remains a formidable contender in upcoming tournaments. For Saengkham, the experience gained from reaching the final will likely inform his preparation for future events. Both players have demonstrated their capacity to perform under pressure, setting the stage for continued competition in the snooker circuit.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Selby defeats Saengkham to win fourth China Open
