Mark Selby wins fourth snooker world title

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Mark Selby with the World Cup trophy

Photo: Zac Goodwin / AP

The English snooker professional Mark Selby has captured his fourth world title at the famous Crucible Theater in Sheffield.

In the final on Monday evening, the 37-year-old prevailed against his compatriot Shaun Murphy at 6:15 p.m. and won the billiard crown again after 2014, 2016 and 2017.

"The Jester from Leicester", as Selby is called, had won a tour on Sunday evening and subsequently never gave it away.

In the new world rankings, Selby is number two behind Judd Trump from England.

Final opponent Murphy missed his second world title after 2005.

In the final session on Monday evening, 990 spectators were allowed.

The Snooker World Cup had been selected as a pilot project by the British government to research the return of fans in the corona pandemic.

All fans were tested in advance and wore a mask throughout the hall.

For Selby it is also a piece of reparation after losing a thrilling semi-final to eventual champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 16:17 last year.

Regarding the series of multiple champions, Selby said: “This is a very special place in snooker history.

There aren't many who have won this World Cup more than once.

This is a very special club. "

On the way to the final Selby had successively defeated Mark Allen from England and the former world champions Mark Williams (Wales) and Stuart Bingham (England).

The top favorites Trump and O'Sullivan had said goodbye to possible duels with the more defensive Selby.

In the final, Selby and Murphy performed well, and the new champion set a highlight with a 120 break shortly before the end.

bka / dpa / Reuters