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
2014 World Snooker Championship hours 4 minutes, Mark Selby defeated Neil Robertson 17–15 to reach his second World Championship final. Selby had previously reached the final in 2007, when he lost to John Higgins. During the match, Robertson extended his century break record to 103, but his defeat meant that he lost his world number one position. The two-day final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby was refereed by Brendan Moore. This was the first time that Moore took charge of a World Championship final. In the first session on Sunday afternoon, O'Sullivan took a 5–3 lead, which he extended in the evening session