Location, Location, Location

Sometimes it’s all about the surroundings.

What is it about Wembley and Mark Selby? After his loss to John Higgins in the 2007 World Championship final, it was at the Masters in January 2008 where he showed the snooker world that he wasn’t going away. A crushing 10-3 victory over Stephen Lee told us that the Jester from Leicester was more than just a joker. The following year he returned and was edged out 10-8 by Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final. And now, after a pretty dismal season to date, Selby’s back in the final.

Of course, you could say that it’s a good place for Ronnie as well – nine finals including today’s, six in the last seven years, four victories. But let’s face it - everywhere’s good for Ronnie.

Last year’s final between these two was a cracker of a match, both players knocking in big breaks amongst some fine tactical play as well. Selby’s break-building hasn’t been up to it’s usual high standard this season so far, and even in this tournament, but he’s a fighter. We saw his grit in that World final and it’s been present ever since. Selby’s semi-final with Stephen Maguire yesterday may not have been a classic, but he got the job done, breaks of 91, 51 and 55 sealing victory for him from 3-3 to 6-3.

O’Sullivan, on the other hand, was involved in one of the finest matches the Masters has ever given us, and that’s no mean feat. 2-0 down to Mark Williams after an early century from the Welshman, Ronnie made 86 and 99 to level, before taking the 5^th. Williams came back with a 132, and after taking a frame apiece, Williams went within a frame of victory at 5-4. The Rocket came back with a well-made 67, and took the last frame when Williams broke down after losing position in what looked to be a comfortable break.

As usual, Ronnie refused to get excited, labelling himself “surprised” at winning, and claiming that Williams was the better player on the day. He said that his recovery from 2-0 down began by playing some left-handed shots and “remembering how it felt to be a snooker player”.

Thanks Ronnie. You always make us mortals feel good when you say things like that.

So what about the final?

Ronnie may not be happy, but he’s playing the best I’ve seen this season. His long potting has been his problem over the last while, but it’s looked pretty good at times in this championship, and amongst the balls he’s as good as ever. He can claim a don’t-care attitude, but he gave us a fist-clench when he potted match-ball against Williams yesterday, so don’t you believe it. He wants that 5^th title, and wants to get in form for the World Championship in April.

Selby’s game has improved throughout the tournament. He saw off an out of sorts Ding Junhui before edging out Mark Allen to face Maguire. He’s still not at the level he was at last year, but he’s on his way back, and once he has a bit of form you know he’s going to hang in there. Don’t rule him out at 6-2 or 7-1 behind; there’s a Doherty-like grit there that’s going to bring him a rake of ranking titles over the years.

It does look like Ronnie’s got what it takes to win this match, but the Masters is full of great memories for Selby. It’s not a bad event to make your personal playground, and with only one loss in the tournament in his career, the Jester will fancy his chances.

P.S. Think we might see a 147.