Paul Hunter Classic - Selby Defends Title In Furth

World no.1 Mark Selby successfully defended his title at the Paul Hunter Classic (Betfair European Tour Event One) in Furth by beating a resurgent Joe Swail 4-1 in the final.

PHOTOS BY C. HAUBURG - RESULTS

World no.1 Mark Selby had won the Arcaden Paul Hunter Classic in Germany last year and was imperious throughout this years event once again, having recorded 4-0 wins against Sean O'Sullivan, Gerard Greene & Ken Doherty in the earlier rounds (who also recorded his first pro 147 in the event).

His appearance in the final shocked few but his opponent Joe Swail was much less anticipated to be featuring. Having dropped off the main tour last year the 42-year-old from Northern Ireland found the form that took him to two Crucible semi-finals, which included victories over Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins.

In the final Selby quickly went 3-0 up with top runs of 56, 64 and 43. Swail won the fourth frame with an 83 but the three-times Masters champion sealed the title in front of a packed German audience with a 85 to win the 12,000 Euro prize and the trophy emblazoned with the image of the late, great Paul Hunter.

Swail can take great joy from his performance this weekend and be safe in the knowledge that he has a place in the PTC Grand Finals next year. Selby will also be pleased with his form going in to the defence of his Shanghai Masters title next month. 

The next big event on the calendar is the third UK Players Tour Championship event at the South West Snooker Academy, Gloucester, which sees the return to competition of World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. Spectator tickets are available here.

 Mark Selby - Arcaden Paul Hunter Classic Champion 2012