Mark Selby Claims First British Open Title with Dominant 10-5 Victory Over John Higgins
Mark Selby captured his first-ever British Open title with a commanding 10-5 win over John Higgins in the final, marking his first ranking title in 18 months. The 41-year-old four-time world champion showcased his class, sealing the victory with three consecutive frames to close out the match.
Despite a valiant effort from Higgins, who capitalized on some of Selby’s errors to keep the contest within reach, Selby’s quality and focus prevailed in the end.
Throughout the match, Selby demonstrated resilience, especially when Higgins won the seventh frame after a rare miss by Selby. However, Selby remained composed and determined, taking control when opportunities arose. Speaking to ITV post-match, Selby reflected on his performance: “I played great today from start to finish.
I don’t feel like I made too many mistakes. I missed a red in the corner on the seventh frame, and John ended up taking it, but I stayed focused and kept going. When I had my chances, I took them.”
Selby also expressed his admiration for his opponent, calling Higgins “one of the all-time greats” and acknowledging the privilege of playing against him. He added, “Every time I play him, I relish the moment because he is an absolute legend.”
The win is a significant achievement for Selby, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s elite players, while ending his drought in ranking titles.
For Selby, winning the British Open represents not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his perseverance and ability to deliver on snooker’s biggest stages.