Mark Selby has cemented his legacy as a China Open champion, claiming his fourth title at the prestigious tournament with a 10-6 victory over Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham in Taiyuan.
The triumph represents a milestone achievement for the English player, making him the first player ever to win the China Open four times. Selby’s dominance throughout the week culminated in a commanding performance against Saengkham in the final, showcasing the consistency that has defined his career at the event.
“I’m happy to be standing here as champion, I played some good stuff all week, somewhere near close to my best,” Selby reflected on his performance, highlighting the quality of snooker required to secure victory at one of the sport’s most competitive tournaments.
Rankings Boost for Both Players
The Taiyuan victory carries significant ranking implications for both finalists. Selby’s success lifts him to fifth in the world rankings, strengthening his position among the sport’s elite. The win underscores his enduring quality and consistency at the highest level of professional snooker.
Saengkham, despite finishing as runner-up, also benefits from his deep run in China. The Thai player’s progression to the final moves him up 18 places to 27th in the world rankings, reflecting a career-best performance at this particular stage of the tournament.