Review of the major snooker tournaments: the Triple Crown

The green has always been famous for its unpredictability, but one player could change the nature of the game. Mark Selby, known as the ‘Master of Defence’, turned tactics into an art form and proved that in snooker, strategy is more important than impulsiveness. His approach to every game has become a benchmark for professionals. One of the most decorated players of our time, he has shown that the ability to read the opponent and control the pace is the key to success.

Mark Selby – snooker champion in his career

Mark Selby’s debut in 1999 was the start of a long road to the top. Born in Leicester, he started his career early thanks to the support of his coaches and tireless work on his technique. His first major success was reaching the final of the Welsh Open in 2003, where he first established himself as a promising player.

In Leicester, famous for its sporting tradition, Mark honed his skills by studying his opponents’ every move. Training focused on building defence and analysing tactical scenarios. At the time, Selby was the first young player to take a strategic approach to his game, turning every match into a game of chess.

How Mark Selby became world champion: tactics in tournament snooker

The athlete’s road to four world titles in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021 showed how, with the right technique and the ability to adapt to circumstances, you can beat even the strongest opponent.

2014: first world title

In 2014, Mark Selby faced Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the most aggressive and unpredictable players in snooker history, in the final. The 18-14 score reflected his excellent tactics to contain his opponent’s attacking style. Selby used a long series of defensive strokes to disrupt O’Sullivan’s rhythm. These moves forced his opponent into errors, which Selby took advantage of to build up his series.

2016: Perfection of strategy and confidence

The second snooker title of 2016 came thanks to Mark Selby’s victory over Dean Junhui. The 18-14 score once again confirmed that strategy is the most important weapon. In this match, Selby was effective in making breaks and long rallies to catch his opponent off guard.

Mark, for example, showed a different tactical approach in every game:

1. Against fast players, he used long defensive series to reduce his attacking chances.
2. Against slow and cautious players, he used surprise attacks to force a change in style of play.

2017 against John Higgins

The 2017 final against John Higgins was one of the most intense matches of Selby’s career. The start of the match showed a clear Higgins advantage, but Mark managed to turn the tide of the match. The 18-15 snooker score was not only the result of Mark Selby’s physical stamina, but also his excellent analysis.

The athlete skillfully read his opponent’s every move, anticipated his decisions and responded with the right defensive strokes. This match demonstrated a key element of Mark’s style: a combination of defensive manoeuvres and unexpected attacks.

2021: back at the top

After a series of relative failures in previous seasons, the 2021 champion returned to the top by beating Sean Murphy 18-15 in the final. This snooker match epitomised Mark Selby’s tactical maturity. The athlete used his signature techniques: a long series of defensive strokes, accurate strokes to balls in difficult positions and control of the pace of play.

Mark Selby’s snooker successes: Masters and UK Championship victories

Winning the Masters in 2008 marked a new era in Mark Selby’s career. It was a tournament in which his tactics shone. In the snooker final against Stephen Lee, Selby built a game full of defensive decisions and precise attacking strokes. The 10-3 victory underlined that his style is not only about defending, but also about his ability to finish a series with spectacular strokes. This success reinforced his status as a tactical genius and player who can dominate major tournaments.

Another milestone in his career was winning the UK Championship title in 2012. This championship is considered one of the most prestigious after the World Cup, and Selby demonstrated his versatility brilliantly. He beat Shaun Murphy in the final and showed absolute tactical superiority. The victory gave Mark Selby the number one position in the rankings and confirmed his dominance in snooker.

Throughout his career, the player has set several records in these tournaments. His ability to hold his concentration during long matches is particularly remarkable. Sessions of more than six hours are part of his playing style.

The secret of Mark Selby’s success: what’s behind the victories?

The victories at the World Snooker Championships are the ultimate proof of Mark Selby’s unique tactics. Each of his four wins (2014, 2016, 2017, 2021) has been based on meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of his opponents’ game. In 2014, with an 18-14 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan, he showed his ability not only to neutralise attacking players but also to use his style against them.

Selby started each match with a thorough analysis. He concentrated on a strategy to make as few mistakes as possible. Mark analysed not only his technique, but also the psychological state of his opponents, identifying their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This approach gave him an edge in matches against the strongest players in the world. Methods:

1. Hours of training: daily sessions of up to 8 hours in which difficult strokes and scenarios with different strategies were practised.
2. Analysis of opponents: before each tournament, Selby made a detailed analysis of his opponents’ play, including their style and behaviour in stressful situations.
3. Psychological resilience: working with coaches and psychologists helped him cope with pressure even in the most intense finals.

Conclusion

Mark Selby’s snooker tactics have made his name synonymous with excellence. His approach has shown that intelligence and calculation are as important as technique. His style of play, based on patience, analysis and self-control, has become a model for future generations.

English billiards has become a symbol of elegance and strategic thinking, finding its place in British clubs and noble houses. The first mentions of it date back to the 17th century, when billiards was a game for the elite – only the wealthiest could afford billiard tables with high-quality cloth and a perfectly flat surface. This game came through the prism of old French and Spanish versions, which included elements of croquet and bowling, but it was the English who added intellectual depth and style to it.

With the development of the British colonial system, English billiards began to conquer the world. In the 19th century, it became an integral part of the country’s culture and spread to the colonies in India, Australia and Canada. This was largely due to its appearance in British clubs, where the rules and style quickly standardized. The history of billiards is filled with interesting characters, for example, John Roberts the Elder. He is a real master who not only won tournaments, but also popularized the game, turning fights into social events.

English Billiards Rules: From Simple Steps to Mastery

The format has a unique atmosphere and a set of rules that distinguish it from other varieties. The main emphasis here is on accuracy and the ability to predict several moves ahead. Everything starts with choosing a table – for English billiards, as a rule, larger than for pool, and covered with a denser green cloth. They are equipped with six bows, which require special accuracy when pocketing billiard balls.

The basic rules include several types of shots: carom (touching two balls), cannon (touching two balls after hitting) and sticking a ball into a pocket. There are three balls in the game: red, white and yellow. Each move of the player is accompanied by a decision: what is the best way to hit to leave the opponent in an uncomfortable position? This is not just a physical action, but also a logical task. The athlete must calculate the steps and leave himself an advantageous position.

Cue for English billiards and playing technique

A true master of English billiards knows that success begins with choosing the right cue. It should be made of strong wood, such as ash or maple, with the optimal length and weight. For beginners, the weight of the cue may seem insignificant, but, as practice shows, it significantly affects the accuracy of the strike. The longer the cue, the more control over the movement, and a well-balanced cue is like an extension of the player’s hand.

Mastering the technique requires many years of practice. The cue should be held confidently, but not too tensely, so that the flexibility of movement is maintained. The beginning of any strike is calm breathing and the correct stance. It is important to keep your shoulders level, directing your gaze precisely at the target. The technique involves precision and planning – participants often work with multi-move combinations, and each successful strike is another step towards dominance at the table.

Tips for improving your playing technique:

1. Correct foot placement: the basis of stability. Your supporting foot should be level with the cue, which helps you control your center of gravity and maintain balance when hitting.
2. Controlling the speed of your hit: A soft hit will help you position the balls neatly for your next move, while a strong hit can prevent your opponent from developing a strategy.
3. Visual concentration: Before each hit, focus not only on the ball itself, but also on the trajectory of the movement. This will help you predict the further behavior of the balls on the table.
4. Mental visualization: Imagine how the ball will move after the hit. Visualization helps you better understand how to choose the right angle and force of the hit.
5. Checking the grip of the cue on the cloth: Make sure the tip is in good condition. Poor grip can lead to slipping, which affects the accuracy of the hit.
6. Practising different angles: The more angles you can control, the easier it will be to combine hits and choose optimal trajectories.
7. Working on the speed of movement around the table: Do not linger in one position. This will allow you to navigate faster and make decisions, which is extremely important for a dynamic game. Using a rest: In situations where a standard stance is not possible, a rest will help you make an accurate shot while maintaining control over the ball’s position.
8. Focus on finishing the shot: After the shot, it is important to continue moving the cue without stopping abruptly. This ensures a smooth direction of the ball and improves the quality of the shot.
9. Mental preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for each game. A calm attitude helps you make more balanced and thoughtful decisions at the table.

English billiards vs. other types: analysis and key differences

What is the difference between English billiards and other types, such as snooker or pool? The main difference lies in technique and strategy. Unlike pool, where the game is aimed at pocketing as many balls as possible, the English version requires making combination shots (carom). The indicator of skill here is not only the number of hits, but also the ability to control the position of the remaining balls on the table.

The table sizes, the number and type of balls, as well as the philosophy of the game itself also differ. In English billiards, it is important to control the situation, create strategic combinations, and not just the power and accuracy of the shots, as in pool. Here, the intellectual component is no less important than physical skills.

Famous English Billiards Players: From Legends to Modern Masters

There are names in history that have become synonymous with perfection. William Cook, for example, became the first recognized champion of English billiards in 1870, and his technique is still studied in billiard schools. He was a master of complex caroms, and it is thanks to him that many modern athletes consider this element an obligatory part of their arsenal.

Modern masters, such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, have brought a touch of sporty daring and unpredictability to English billiards. Ronnie is known for the speed of the game and the ability to make decisions on the fly, which makes his performances especially spectacular.

Try your hand at English billiards

Understanding the nuances of English billiards allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Victorian clubs, to feel part of something elegant and thoughtful. Want to experience what it means to be a cue master? Check out the online platform or sign up at your nearest billiard club, grab your cue, and go ahead – into a world where every move counts and every game is a small battle of wits and dexterity.