Mark Selby showed his trademark grit and brilliance as he edged past young Welshman Jackson Page 5-4 in a dramatic quarter-final clash at the 2025 English Open, sealing victory with a magnificent 131 break in the deciding frame. The four-time World Champion was pushed to his limits by Page, who demonstrated maturity beyond his years and fought courageously throughout, but Selby’s experience and composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.
The match began with Selby settling quickly, producing solid breaks to establish an early lead. However, Page, who has been making waves on the tour with his fearless attacking style, refused to back down. He levelled the contest at 2-2 heading into the mid-session interval, showcasing fine long-potting and fluent scoring. The intensity rose after the restart, with both players trading frames and leaving the tie finely poised at 4-4.
In the decider, the pressure could not have been higher. Page had chances but faltered with a loose safety, allowing Selby to step in. What followed was vintage Selby: precise cue ball control, clinical potting, and a calmness that only champions possess. His superb 131 clearance not only secured the win but also underlined why he remains one of snooker’s most formidable competitors.
For Selby, this victory marks yet another deep run in a major ranking event, and he will now face China’s Zhou Yuelong in the semi-final. Zhou, known for his tactical awareness and steady temperament, promises to be a tough opponent, but Selby’s form and resilience make him a strong favourite to progress.
As for Jackson Page, his valiant performance further cements his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. Despite the loss, he leaves the tournament with confidence and valuable experience gained from pushing a legend to the brink.
