Mark Selby has his sights set on adding to his Triple Crown tally as he looks to maximise the final years of his career at the top of the game.
The 42 year-old reached the second round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship draw on Wednesday with a dominant 10-2 win over Jak Jones.
Selby made just three 50-plus contributions but took advantage of a poor display from his opponent to coast through to the last 16.
Although a four-time world champion and a six-time finalist in Sheffield overall, the Englishman has had a tough few years in the tournament with this marking his first Crucible victory since 2023.
“I didn’t play flawless snooker,” Mark Selby told the World Snooker Tour. “I felt like I played good match play snooker.”
“I didn’t do too many things wrong, but it’s tough out there. It doesn’t matter what you’ve achieved, I felt nervous.
“I’m sure he was a bit nervous at the start, and when you start going 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 down, you start chasing it.
“I felt like he was pushing the boat out then to try and get back into it. To be fair to him, he didn’t have much run of the ball.
“That’s snooker. When you are struggling, everything seems to kick you up the backside. When you’re playing well, everything seems to go for you.
“It’s tough, because the World Championship only comes around once per year. It’s the biggest tournament we have to play in.
“It’s the one everyone wants to win. Going out in the first round is tough, because it goes on for another two weeks.
“It’s tough to sit at home. You can’t get away from it, because it’s just everywhere.”
In December, Selby captured the UK Championship crown for the third time in his career, beating Judd Trump 10-8 in the final in York.
That took Selby’s career tally of Triple Crown titles to ten – fourth on the all-time list – and it’s in those prestigious tournaments where he ultimately wants to add to his legacy.
“Every year, I focus on all the Triple Crown events,” said Selby, who won his maiden Triple Crown title at the 2008 Masters.
“Ever since I achieved what I achieved, my goal going forward is just to win a few more of them.”
“I managed to win the UK earlier on in the season, which was amazing. To win one in a season is great.
“While I’m still in this, my aim will be to try and win it for a fifth time. If I can do that, amazing. If not, I’ve won it four times and can’t really complain.
“But while I’m in it, I’ll be competing and trying my best.”
Selby encounters Wu Yize in the second round, the 22 year-old having also emerged from his first-round clash against Lei Peifan with a 10-2 triumph.
Wu represents a rising star in the game and many people’s tip as a dark horse to threaten for global glory in 2026.
“He is an amazing player and an amazing talent. He’s great to watch, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Selby added.
“I’m going to have to be near the top of my game to get through. Hopefully I will be.”
The clash pits one of the sport’s most battle-hardened competitors against one of its most exciting emerging talents.
Featured photo credit: WST
