
Sam Baird takes on World No 1 Mark Selby
World No. 1 Mark Selby overcame stubborn resistance from Sam Baird, edging through 4-3 after a pulsating match in the Welsh Open at Newport.
A bitterly disappointed Baird said “It didn’t seem like the best match, although everyone’s saying it was brilliant. We both had chances and missed balls.
“Obviously I’m gutted to lose it but it was a fantastic experience and overall to reach my first venue has been massive for me.
“I’m really looking forward to China now and I know what I have to do to compete alongside the Top players.”
Twenty-three year old Sam Baird took on the World Number One and former Welsh Champion, Mark Selby and came within two balls of victory.
He matched everything that Selby could throw at him, and gave it back, with interest, for most of the match.
But needing just blue and pink for a 4-2 victory after a nerve-wracking 44 minute frame, he over cut the blue and Selby breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The momentum swung in favour of Selby in the decider and he carved out a 51 point lead with only 51 left on the table.
But still he couldn’t shake Baird off, as he fought to get back into the frame. However Baird mis-cued, aiming down for a red to centre and that left him needing a snooker.
Still he battled on, trapping Selby in several snookers. The Leicester man escaped and eventually sank green and brown to close out the match.

Baird gave Selby plenty to think about
Earlier Selby had opened a 2-1 lead before breaks of 59, 64 and 85 in a mid-match purple patch, gave Baird a 3-2 lead.
A very relieved Selby was full of praise for his young opponent. “I couldn’t believe when they told me it was his first time at a venue. I would have had no complaints if he’d beaten me 4-2.
“There’s no way he should be so low in the rankings and fighting to stay on tour.
“His safety was good, he scored well. He should have won really. I think we’ll see a lot more of him in the future.”
Wednesday’s Matches
Adam Wicheard v Stephen Maguire
Mark Allen v Ken Doherty
Barry Hawkins v Matthew Stevens