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Thursday
20 November, 2008 |
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8-BALL |
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BREAK TIME FOR SELBY
• Mark Selby bids to defend World 8-ball title
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By
Trevor Baxter
Friday,
6 July, 2007
Mark Selby has put a much-needed holiday on hold until after the defence of his rileyspoker.com World 8-Ball Pool title.
Selby’s feet have hardly touched the floor since his run to the final of the 888.com World Snooker Championship at Sheffield in May.
He’s become something of a celebrity in Leicester after his thrilling Crucible Theatre performances.
Indeed, the ‘Jester from Leicester’ is due to open a local re-furbished community facility-the New Parks Youth Centre-where his potential was first spotted.
“Life’s been hectic,” agrees the 24-year-old cue ace, bidding to become the first player in the history of the 8-Ball event to retain his trophy.
“But I’ve quite enjoyed all the attention. To be honest I haven’t had much time to practice for the championships though I have done a couple of exhibitions.
“Then again there is only so much practice you can do,” adds Selby who stunned the pool fraternity with his success over Darren Appleton at Blackpool last June.
“It’s going to be hard to retain my title because when you’re champion everyone wants a piece of you.
“And because of what happened at the Crucible it means I’m even more of a target,” adds Selby, beaten 18-13 by John Higgins in the Crucible final.
“They always say it’s hard to win a big title and even harder to retain it. So, we’ll have to see what happens.”
Selby’s busy schedule, including a trip to Poland for the inaugural Warsaw Snooker Masters, means he also hasn’t had much time for girlfriend Vikki Layton.
The couple met at last year’s World 8-Ball Championships and the former Irish international is one of the challengers for the women’s title.
“Vikki lives in Ipswich and I’m in Leicester so we’ve not managed any practice together.
“At least I’ll get to see her at Blackpool.”
Selby will also be keeping a close eye on his cue.
Snooker’s world number 11 had to borrow a replacement to win the Warsaw Masters after his own was left at Amsterdam airport by baggage handlers.
Fortunately for Selby, it was returned in one piece though he’ll change to a specialist pool cue for his assault on a second world crown.
“There are probably five or six players who are capable of winning. I’d love to make a bit of history but it’s going to be hard.
“Hopefully, the thought of a holiday will keep me going.”
The rileyspoker.com World 8-Ball Pool Championships is taking place at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool from July 2-12.
There are men’s and ladies singles, men’s and ladies team championships, an Under 21 men’s competition plus junior and wheelchair, individual and senior tournaments.
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