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 two frames he made breaks of 94 and 92, narrowly missing his 100th century of the season. Barry Hawkins met Ricky Walden in a repeat of the previous year's semi-final. Hawkins defeated Walden again, this time 13–11, to reach his second Crucible quarter-final. Mark Selby defeated two-time runner-up Ali Carter 13–9. Selby won eight of the second session's nine frames against Alan McManus, after they could only finish seven frames in the first session, and went on to win the match 13–5. Having trailed 2-0 and needing three snookers in the third frame, O'Sullivan won 13 of the last 14