Mark Selby in the last 64. In the first round of the Masters, Selby played against Mark Willams in a repeat of the 2017 edition. However, it was Williams who prevailed in their encounter 6–5. It was also the second time that Selby lost in a deciding frame at the tournament. Selby retained his China Open title, defeating Barry Hawkins 11–3 in the final. It was the 3rd China Open title he won in 4 years. Selby's two-year reign as World Champion came to an end at the first round of the 2018 World Snooker Championship. Facing Joe Perry, Selby trailed 2–7
2016 World Snooker Championship the opening session of the other semifinal, Mark Selby took a 3–0 and 5–3 lead, but Marco Fu fought back to end the second session all-square at 8–8. Fu's tip separated from his cue in the 15th frame as he was chalking it. A ten-minute break was called while the tip was glued back on. The 24th frame, won by Selby to level at 12–12, lasted 76 minutes 11 seconds, becoming the longest frame ever played at the Crucible, breaking the previous record of 74 minutes 58 seconds set in the 2009 match between Stephen Maguire and Mark King. The