Imagine a single snooker frame lasting over an hour, decided on the final black ball! That's the kind of nail-biting drama Mark Selby delivered on his way to the Champion of Champions final. But here's where it gets controversial... was Robertson's 'fluked' pink a stroke of luck, or just poor positional play earlier in the frame?
Mark Selby, cheered on by his home crowd at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester, secured his place in the final of the prestigious Champion of Champions tournament with a 6-2 victory over Neil Robertson. While the scoreline might suggest a comfortable win, the match was anything but, featuring a marathon seventh frame that stretched to an incredible 63 minutes and was only settled on the very last ball.
The Englishman largely dictated the pace of the match against the Australian, earning himself a coveted spot in the final against the current world number one, Judd Trump. This sets up a clash of titans, as Selby and Trump are the only two players who have competed in every single edition of the Champion of Champions since its inception in 2013. Talk about consistency!
That grueling seventh frame, lasting well over half an hour (before eventually dragging on to over an hour!), was a true test of endurance and mental fortitude. It seemed destined for a conclusion when Robertson, against the run of play, 'fluked' the pink ball. However, he then uncharacteristically missed a relatively straightforward black. Selby then had a chance to capitalize, but surprisingly also missed an easy pot. This led to a prolonged safety battle, showcasing the tactical depth of the game at the highest level. And this is the part most people miss... the immense pressure these players are under, especially in front of a home crowd, can lead to uncharacteristic errors. Robertson eventually presented another opportunity, but the black ball agonizingly stuck in the jaws of the pocket, handing Selby the chance to finally close out the frame, which he duly took.
The following frame, the eighth, wasn't much quicker, lasting a considerable 45 minutes. Four-time world champion Selby also had to grind it out, demonstrating his renowned tenacity and tactical prowess. He eventually emerged victorious, securing his place in Sunday's final against Trump.
Selby started strongly, winning the first two frames. In the second frame, he compiled a break of 127, extending his impressive record of scoring a century break in every tournament he has participated in this season. This streak highlights his consistent scoring ability and his current form.
Robertson's struggles began early, missing a relatively simple red ball in the opening frame, putting him on the back foot for much of the match. Selby capitalized on this, moving to a 4-1 lead with a break of 80. Robertson responded with a break of 104 in the sixth frame – significantly higher than his other breaks during the match – before the dramatic and lengthy seventh frame unfolded.
The final between Selby and Trump promises to be a fascinating encounter. Trump, despite being world number one, hasn't secured a title since the UK Championship in 2024. Will Selby's experience and current form be enough to overcome Trump's undeniable talent? Or will Trump break his title drought and claim the Champion of Champions crown?
What do you think? Did Robertson's missed black in the seventh frame cost him the match? And who are you backing for the final: the in-form Selby or the title-hungry Trump? Let us know in the comments below!
