I’m a big fan of Mark Selby. So it was extremely gratifying to watch him make the first ever maximum break in a Crucible final yesterday.
Cool as the proverbial cucumber, and despite trailing to his adversary, Luca Brecel, Selby negotiated the break with the quiet steady aplomb that is one his (several) trademark qualities.
Was that MC and überfan Rob Walker, shouting ‘get in’ when Mark potted the final and tricky last red, along the cushion, to keep the break going? It certainly sounded like him.
It was lovely to see Brecel and referee Brendan Moore hugging the jubilant Selby, afterwards. This particular 147 was a first on several fronts: the first in a Crucible final; at Brecel’s first time past the first round. And it’s ref’ Moore’s last Crucible final, making a hat-trick. A nice way to bow out!
Only Kyren Wilson might be unhappy about it, as he also scored a maximum, earlier in this Championship, and will now have to share the prize money with Selby.