By Jon Wilde
April 21 2006

SNOOKER - Selby Inspired By Murphy Magic

By Jon Wilde of Bettingzone.co.uk





Mark Selby hopes his career can emulate that of Shaun Murphy after he caused the first shock of the 888.com World Championship with a 10-4 victory over John Higgins.

Just like Murphy last year, 22-year-old Selby arrived at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre having never previously won a match at the hallowed venue.

Murphy, of course, went on to lift the sport's most prestigious trophy after finally getting over the initial hurdle and now Selby is keen to show lightning can strike twice.

"I'm here to win the tournament," said the world number 38, who avenged a 10-5 defeat by Higgins at the same stage in 2005 by beating the season's most successful player.

"I believe I can go all the way and I don't think anyone could have played better against John than I did in the second session.

"I came up through the junior system with Shaun Murphy and until last year I was doing better than him as a professional. Hopefully now it's my turn to do what he did in this tournament last year."

Selby's success has shaken up what looked to be easily the toughest section of the draw, with Mark Williams - his possible second-round opponent - and Ronnie O'Sullivan also in that quarter.

To reach the final that trio may have to get past Stephen Lee, who survived a haircut from hell and an Ali Carter fightback to book his place in the last 16.

"I've already had one bad hair day and I didn't need another," Lee, sporting a gold mullet, said after his 10-8 triumph.

"My usual hairdresser is on holiday so I had it done in Sheffield. I advise nobody to have their hair done here. It was meant to be white with highlights but it's yellow.

"I'll have to see if something can be done with it before my next match on Thursday."

Steve Davis ensured a repeat of last year's quarter-final, this time in the second round, as he advanced to a return meeting with Murphy by winning 10-4 against Andy Hicks.

'The Nugget' was drubbed 13-4 during Murphy's relentless charge to the title but, having finished runner-up in this season's UK Championship, is confident of the scoreline being much tighter this time.

"I'm as relaxed as I've ever been because I haven't any of the worries I've had in the past," said the 48-year-old.

"I had a great UK Championship, I've no problem with my place in the top 16 next season and I've been hitting the ball so well that there's been no need to practice too much.

"Shaun turned me over last year but he dismantled everyone and I'm looking forward to playing him again.

"I love the way he plays. He walks round the table like he owns it. But I'd love to turn him over and I fancy my chances because I'll just go in there and be aggressive."

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