Selby Survives Chaos: Marathon Frames Propel Leicester Hero Into Champion of Champions Final
Mark Selby booked his place in the Champion of Champions final with a commanding 6–2 victory over Neil Robertson, a match defined by grit, tension, and two marathon frames that tested the composure of both players. Competing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, Selby maintained control for most of the encounter and earned the right to face world number one Judd Trump in the title match.
The most dramatic moment came in the seventh frame—a gruelling 63-minute battle that swung back and forth with almost theatrical unpredictability. After more than half an hour of tactical exchanges, the frame looked to be tilting Robertson’s way when he fluked the pink. But the Australian then shockingly missed the final black. Selby, presented with what seemed a straightforward chance to steal the frame, also faltered. Robertson returned to the table but could only leave the black sitting in the jaws of the pocket, allowing Selby to finally complete the job.
The eighth frame was scarcely less demanding, stretching to 45 minutes as Selby once again ground his way to the finish line. His perseverance paid off, sealing the match and setting up a showdown between the only two players who have appeared in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2013.
Selby had asserted early dominance, claiming the first two frames—one of them with a superb 127 break that continued his streak of making at least one century in every event this season. Robertson’s missed red in the opening frame set a troubling tone for him, and although he briefly rallied with a 104 to close the deficit to 4–2, it proved his only significant scoring visit of the match.
Ultimately, Selby’s patience, tactical strength, and ability to capitalise on Robertson’s errors ensured a convincing and hard-earned route to the final.
