Mark Selby of both the Masters and Welsh Open to Ronnie O'Sullivan, but won the Gdynia Open with a 4–1 victory over Martin Gould. Before the World Championship Selby withdrew from the PTC Finals and China Open due to personal reasons. He beat Robert Milkins 10–6, Sam Baird 13–11 and Kyren Wilson 13–8 to face Marco Fu in the semi-finals. Selby drew level at 12–12 thanks to winning a 76-minute frame, the longest in Crucible history and went on to win 17–15 with an excellent snooker on the brown in the final frame. He took a 6–0 lead over Ding Junhui in
2016 Championship League The group was won by Judd Trump. Group three was played on 25 and 26 January 2016. The group was won by Stephen Maguire. Group four was played on 27 and 28 January 2016. The group was won by Mark Williams. Group five was played on 22 and 23 February 2016. Neil Robertson withdrew and was replaced by Michael Holt. The group was won by Mark Selby. Group six was played on 24 and 25 February 2016. Graeme Dott withdrew and was replaced by Dominic Dale. The group was won by Ali Carter. Group seven was played on 29 February