Mark Selby has ended a 19-month wait for another tournament win by lifting the English Open trophy with a 9-6 victory over Luca Brecel.
After becoming a four-time world champion in May 2021, Selby went through last season without picking up any silverware and only reaching one semi-final.
However, the 39-year-old was able to become English Open champion for a second time by fending off the tenacious Belgian, who went close to a 147.
Selby, who beat Shaun Murphy and Neil Robertson on the way to the final, opened up a 3-0 lead, but Brecel found a way to stay within touching distance of his English opponent.
"The ππππππ¨π© ππππ‘π‘ππ£ππ of my life."
β Eurosport (@eurosport) December 18, 2022
From suffering in silence for years to opening up about his struggles to a 22nd ranking title
Only @markjesterselby and his family really know what this moment means π’β€οΈ#HomeNations | @WeAreWST pic.twitter.com/V1FevXGW4Q
While middle-of-the-range breaks were responsible for taking Selby one away from the crown, he had to watch on as Brecel threatened a maximum in the 14th frame.
Nevertheless, after being marginally out of position on the 15th red, Brecel had to go all the way around the table to set up a testing black, under-cutting his shot as he placed focus on also trying to get back up the table for the yellow.
Although he could claim to have some momentum after a 113 break, Selby held his nerve in the following frame to seal his 22nd ranking title, arguably his most rewarding after admitting to struggles with his mental health and game.
Darren Plant
