Mark Selby
Mark Selby

European Masters: Mark Selby claims title in thrilling final


Mark Selby claimed the European Masters title in Milton Keynes after a 9-8 win over Martin Gould in an epic final.

It was an 18th world-ranking event win for Selby who could never fight off his rival having seen an early 4-0 lead disappear in the first session.

Gould produced a dazzling break of 96 to take the final to a deciding frame but was forced to sit and watch as Selby put together a match-winning one of his own of 72.

He was stretching his winning run in world-ranking event finals to ten.

He told Eurosport: "I'm delighted. I thought it was a good final from start to finish and had I lost I'd have had no complaints.

"From being 4-0 down Martin played fantastically well to get back into the match and after that it was nip-and-tuck. It could have gone either way."

Goud added: "I'm pleased I've come here this week and competed with the best players in the world. I've had a rough time over the last couple of years and while gutted to lose 9-8 I've lost to a very good champion. There's an awful lot I can take from this."