Selby Makes History With Fourth China Open Crown — And He's Back Where He Belongs

The Jester From Leicester Is Back

Mark Selby has done it again. The four-time world champion claimed a historic fourth China Open title in Taiyuan on 16th August 2026, beating Thailand's Noppon Saengkham 10-6 in a final that, for large stretches, showed exactly why Selby remains one of the most complete players on the tour at 43 years of age. No player has ever won the China Open four times — Selby can now claim that record entirely for himself, having previously lifted the trophy in 2015, 2017 and 2018. This is what sustained excellence looks like.

The victory is Selby's 26th ranking event title and, perhaps more significantly for his season, it rockets him from ninth to fifth in the world rankings. He had gone eight years without appearing in a ranking final in China, and there were those who wondered whether that particular chapter of his career was behind him. Sunday's performance was a fairly emphatic answer. "I'm happy to be standing here as champion," he said afterwards. "I played some good stuff all week — somewhere near close to my best." When Selby says something like that, quietly and without fanfare, you take notice. That's not a man going through the motions. That's a man who feels sharp.

How The Final Unfolded

It wasn't entirely straightforward, mind you. Saengkham — who had already beaten Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy on his way to only his second ranking final — came out swinging and led 4-2 at one stage. Selby had already produced a stunning 138 break in the third frame, but the Thai potter was making a genuine match of it and looking anything but overawed on the big occasion.

The turning point came in the final two frames of the opening session. Selby, drawing on the kind of composure that has defined his career, clawed back to level at 4-4. From there, it became a masterclass. He knocked in breaks of 58, 90, 69 and 53 in succession to move 8-4 ahead — a run of snooker that his opponent simply had no answer to. Saengkham responded with a 71 to give himself a foothold, but Selby's safety play was relentless. He laid two excellent snookers to claim the 14th frame, Saengkham took the 15th to keep a sliver of hope alive, and then Selby closed it out with another half-century to pocket the £250,000 winner's cheque. Saengkham received £100,000 as runner-up.

"Mark was strong and controlled the game well — his safety game was so good," Saengkham said graciously. "When I was 4-2 up he was under pressure, but in the evening the game changed and it looked like Mark was controlling everything. I will keep trying hard and hopefully one day I will be the champion." A mature and dignified response from a player who, despite the defeat, can be enormously proud of his week. Beating Trump, O'Sullivan and Murphy in the same tournament is no mean feat, and his run has lifted him 18 places in the world rankings to 27th.

The New Cue, The New Chapter

One detail that shouldn't be overlooked: Selby has come into this season wielding a new cue for the first time in 20 years. For most professionals, changing cue is a seismic event — something that can disrupt rhythm, feel and confidence for months. The fact that Selby has not only adapted to it but won a ranking title suggests the transition has gone better than even he might have hoped. At 43, making that kind of change requires a certain boldness. It speaks to someone who is still invested, still evolving, still hungry.

Twenty-six ranking titles. Four China Open crowns. A jump back into the world's top five. If anyone was writing Selby off as a spent force, this week in Taiyuan has given them something to think about. The World Championship at the Crucible remains the sport's ultimate measure, and Selby — with four of those already in the cabinet — will no doubt have Sheffield firmly in his sights as the season builds. On this evidence, dismiss him at your peril.

Responsible Gambling

Betting should always be approached responsibly. Never wager more than you can afford to lose. If you're concerned about your gambling, visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.