PTC4 2011 - Selby Storms To PTC Title

Mark Selby continues his good form after his Wuxi Classic win by capturing the Paul Hunter Classic (PTC4) title in Furth, Germany. He defeated Mark Davis 4-0 in the final in front of a packed audience at the Stadthalle.

Paul Hunter Classic - PTC4

Stadthalle - Furth, Germany

RESULTS & CENTURIES

The Jester from Leicester Mark Selby was looking in good stead in the earlier stages of this tournaments as he recorded successive 4-0 victories over Sam Harvey, Rory McLeod, Craig Steadman and Andrew Higginson. He then came from 1-0 behind to beat Stephen Lee to set up a tie with PTC1 champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi's who had made a 147 break earlier in the tournament.

It was to be a more closely fought affair between the Rocket and the Jester though as Selby just came through a tense decider 4-3 to set up a clash with former 6-red world champion and recent victor over Judd Trump in the Australian Open; Mark Davis from Bexhill. Davis didn't have an easy path to the to the final either as he had to beat Jimmy White, Jamie Cope and even Neil Robertson 4-2 in the semis.

The final wasn't to be as close though as Selby dominated the first frame. Davis had a 70 point lead in the second but went for a dangerous plant instead of playing safe and let Selby in to clear for 2-0. After this it was all Selby as he took the next two frames in pretty quick succession. Davis had a few chances but failed to capitalize them, but he performed well throughout the rest of the tournament and looks good to be placed in the top 16 for the first time in his 20 year career.

Selby however is looking to be back to the form that won him two Masters and a Welsh Open title and will be one of the favourites going in to next months Shanghai Masters. Another bonus for Mark is that he currently resides at at no.1 in the provisional world rankings and nothing short of Mark Williams winning the Shanghai Masters should knock him off that top spot. A great achievement for him especially considering he has never won the World or UK Championship.

Photo - Monique Limbos