Mark Selby has vowed to treat his young daughter Sofia to a Kindle after clinching the Welsh Open title and a £100,000 prize on Sunday night.
The world number four got his hands on the Ray Reardon trophy for the first time since 2008 after beating Stephen Maguire 9-6. It follows the 41-year-old’s recent triumphs in the British Open and Championship League. Selby’s wife Vikki and daughter Sofia proudly accompanied the four-time world champion for the celebratory photo around the table.
But a tense moment unfolded while Selby was ahead 6-5 before the evening break, leaving him anxious that the momentum was shifting. He took an early 60-0 lead but faltered on an easy red. Maguire capitalised, winning the frame 71-65, tying the game – a moment that could have proved costly.
The Jester from Leicester said: “The red I missed she (Sofia) probably would have potted that as well. I’ll get one [a Kindle] if she wants. The clearance Stephen made, it was ridiculous, one of the best clearances I have seen. But it didn’t surprise me.”
Scots ace Maguire expressed his appreciation for the support received and paid tribute to snooker rival Selby, adding: “I just want to say thanks to the crowd. I don’t usually get that much support but Llandudno was giving me it so thank you. I had a good week, enjoyed myself and just didn’t show up in the end.
“He played well in the last three frames and I never really seen a ball until the last minute. There’s nothing you can do when he is potting all the balls. Listen I’m not going to just give it to him. But like I say, at six-each I never seen a ball until it was kind of done. All credit to Mark.”