Selby beats Maguire to win second Welsh Open title

Mark Selby lifted his second Welsh Open title after beating Stephen Maguire 9-6 in the final at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

The 41-year-old, who previously won the competition in 2008, never trailed in the final, as Maguire came from behind to level the match on four occasions.

But in the final session, which started level at 6-6, Selby finally seized control of the game, winning three-straight frames to secure victory.

Selby, who won the British Open in September 2024, becomes just the ninth player to win multiple Welsh Open titles.

"Obviously I'm delighted," said Selby.

"It's great to see Stephen back in finals, four years is way too long, he's a class act and I'm one of his biggest fans.

"This week I won a lot of key frames when I've been 40 or 50 points behind, that's been the difference."

The four-time world champion took a 2-0 lead to start the match, before Scotland's Maguire won his frame thanks to a break of 60.

Selby responded with a break of 78 to restore his two-frame lead, but Maguire levelled the match at 3-3 before the break in play.

The pair alternated the next six frames, with Selby taking a slender lead on three occasions only to be pegged back by Maguire.

With the final finely poised at 6-6, Selby won back-to-back frames in which Maguire failed to pot a ball - including the final's biggest break of 128.

And with the game on the line in the 15th frame, a missed pot on the black ball by Maguire handed control to Selby.

And although Selby could not clear the table, his 59-point lead was enough to seal the frame and the Welsh Open title.

"I had a good week, I've enjoyed myself, and I have just come up short in the end," said Maguire.

"There's nothing you can do when he's potting all the balls, all credit to Mark."