Mark Selby defeats John Higgins to retain World Championship title

    Mark Selby saw off John Higgins in a rollercoaster final to successfully defend snooker’s World Championship title yesterday, 1 May.

    Selby beat Higgins 18-15.

    The match at the Crucible Theatre saw Selby come back from 10-4 to claim nine out of 10 frames to lead 13-11.

    In a tense final session there was a moment of controversy in the 31st frame when a foul was called after Selby failed to make contact with a rolling safety shot up to the black ball.

    The Leicester player believed the balls touched but conceded to the judgement of veteran referee Jan Verhaas, even turning down the gentlemanly offer of a video replay from Higgins. Selby went on to lose the frame, leaving him leading by only one frame, 16-15.

    The 33-year-old defending champion showed why he is worthy of the World No.1 spot, holding his nerve and clinching the next two frames to lift the trophy for the third time.

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