Who is laughing now?
Probably still not the “Jester from Leicester” – seemingly one of the most ironically named players in world snooker.
He is also, however, unquestionably, the greatest player currently plying his trade on the green baize.
The Englishman defended his world championship title in some style on Monday night, fighting back from 10-4 down to defeat John Higgins 18-15 in one of the great Crucible finals.
🏆 @markjesterselby wins the 2017 @Betfred World Championship!#ilovesnooker pic.twitter.com/TtKBYha5ea
— WST (@WeAreWST) May 1, 2017
The Leicester native was tested severely by the Scot on Sunday and repeatedly on Monday, but he showed remarkable resilience to win his third world championship in four years.
“He is granite,” was Higgins’ succinct assessment.
Only Selby, Steve David, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan have managed to defend their title at the Crucible – that is some quartet. Selby is also £375,000 richer.
Mark Selby clinches a third World Championship title after stunning comeback against John Higgins – what a performance! pic.twitter.com/eg8S8e5uJZ
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 1, 2017
He played some serious snooker to deny Higgins, including this 131 break in the 32nd frame.
What a response from Selby – and what a time for a 131 clearance
The Jester is one frame away from retaining the #SnookerWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/TDsKrE3z29
— Eurosport (@eurosport) May 1, 2017
