Mark Selby has ended a 19-month wait for another tournament win by lifting the English Open trophy with a 9-6 victory over Luca Brecel.
After becoming a four-time world champion in May 2021, Selby went through last season without picking up any silverware and only reaching one semi-final.
However, the 39-year-old was able to become English Open champion for a second time by fending off the tenacious Belgian, who went close to a 147.
Selby, who beat Shaun Murphy and Neil Robertson on the way to the final, opened up a 3-0 lead, but Brecel found a way to stay within touching distance of his English opponent.
"The ππππππ¨π© ππππ‘π‘ππ£ππ of my life."
β Eurosport (@eurosport) December 18, 2022
From suffering in silence for years to opening up about his struggles to a 22nd ranking title
Only @markjesterselby and his family really know what this moment means π’β€οΈ#HomeNations | @WeAreWST pic.twitter.com/V1FevXGW4Q
While middle-of-the-range breaks were responsible for taking Selby one away from the crown, he had to watch on as Brecel threatened a maximum in the 14th frame.
Nevertheless, after being marginally out of position on the 15th red, Brecel had to go all the way around the table to set up a testing black, under-cutting his shot as he placed focus on also trying to get back up the table for the yellow.
Although he could claim to have some momentum after a 113 break, Selby held his nerve in the following frame to seal his 22nd ranking title, arguably his most rewarding after admitting to struggles with his mental health and game.
