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
Mark Selby at the UK Championship, Selby won 6–5 on the colours and then had a more routine 6–2 semi-final victory over Shaun Murphy. In the final he had a 7–2 advantage over Ronnie O'Sullivan, but it was reduced to 7–4, before four breaks of 130 or more were made in a span of five frames, two by each player. Selby then finished the match with a 107 break to win his second UK title and mean he has completed the Triple Crown twice in his career. Selby could not get to a semi-final in the next seven tournaments, before winning through