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Selby crashes out in first round at Crucible theatre

22/04/2008

Last year's runner-up at the World Championships, Mark Selby, has been knocked-out in the first round this year by Mark King.

King came back from 5-4 down overnight to defeat Selby 10-8 thanks to breaks of 73, 63, 116 and 71 in the 18th frame to secure his place in the second round.

Selby had been amongst the favourites to lift the trophy this year following his performance at the Crucible last season.

He carried that form into this year with wins at the Wembley Masters and the recent Welsh Open. However King, a veteran of the World Championships, showed the necessary determination to get through.

Selby briefly closed in on King and reduced his arrears to 8-7 but made a mistake in the 16th frame to allow King to pull away again.

King, who beat Jimmy White in the pre-tournament qualifying competition, was delighted with his performance.

He said: "It's pleasing to go out there and play really solid for once. When I got a chance I punished him."

Selby admitted he had not played at his best. He added: "Over the two days I think he was the better player and deserved to win."

King will now face former-champion Peter Ebdon in the next round.

Mark Williams, a two-time winner in Sheffield, continued his return to form with a solid 10-3 win over Mark Davies.

The Welshman was in a commanding position, leading 8-1 overnight, and made light work of dispatching his opponent during their second session.

Elsewhere, 2006 champion Graeme Dott currently trails Joe Perry 5-4 in their first round encounter.