MARK SELBY dedicated his record fourth China Open win to a pal with a terminal illness.
Using a new cue, the Leicester Jester banked £250,000 with a 10-6 win over Thai Giant Killer Noppon Saengkham – his top break in Taiyuan was a 138 in frame three.
Mark Selby dedicated his China Open win to a terminally ill friend Credit: Getty
The £250,000 prize leaves him with a hope of soon overtaking World No1 Judd Trump Credit: Getty
It is his first ranking title of the year and 26th of his career overall.
And it means he could eclipse Judd Trump as world No1 after the Wuhan Open.
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Selby, 43, was messaged during the week by old friend ‘Waitey’ who has been given a terminal diagnosis by doctors.
He said: “This week has been tough.
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“One of my good friends, who I have known since 11 or 12, has been poorly for a while.
“He text me a couple of days ago to say basically he’s been given two months to live.
“They had a charity night last night back home, which I would have attended if I was there.
“If he is watching, Waitey, this one is for you mate.”
Selby saw off the likes of Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson and Stuart Bingham on his route to the final.
The £250,000 jackpot puts him in striking distance of Trump, once the world No1’s £500,000 windfall from the Saudi Arabia Masters comes off his rankings total after the tournament’s closure.
