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 Ding fought back in the second session to trail by only one frame at 7–8, but Selby won the final two frames of the day for a 10–7 overnight lead. Some frames involved lengthy tactical battles, and play did not end at the Crucible until 00:24 local time on Monday morning. On the second day of the final, Ding again fought back to trailing by only one frame at 10–11, but Selby won three of the session's last four frames to go into the final session 14–11 ahead. Although Ding won three more frames in the evening session - coming