England’s Mark Selby hits first victory against Li Hang in round 1 of 2012 China Open
World Number one from England, Mark Selby claimed his first victory in the 2012 China Open snooker tournament at the Beijing University Students Gymnasium arena. The Englishman defeated Chinese potter, Li Hang by a superb whitewash score line of 5-0 in the
first round of the tournament and breezed his way successfully into the second round against none other than the Chinese Sensation, Ding Junhui.
The Jester from Leicester has had a tremendous start of the tournament which will give his confidence a new boost to face the 2012 Welsh Open winner in the next round. However, Hang as his opponent in the initial round was never his match because compared
to Selby he had a little experience at the baize.
On the other hand, Hang was of course handed a tough draw despite the fact that he performed brilliantly against the Englishman, Michael Holt in the wild card round and defeated him by the score line of 5-3 to hit the first round clash against Selby. During
his encounter with one of the toughest opponents, Hang was not able to cash even a single opportunity to add one frame on his side of the score board.
Selby came strong at the table from the beginning and cleared the baize in no time. The Leicester potter was suffering from a neck injury but still he did not let it disturb him in the game and played like he is completely fit.
Speaking to World Snooker after his victory, Selby said, “I didn't really know how I was going to perform because I have a problem with my neck, I've been suffering a little bit of pain. But putting that aside the performance itself was good, I played really
well and didn't give Li Hang many chances.”
The 28-year-old added, “It will be a tough game if I play Ding, we've played each other many times. I think he's probably one match better off than me, I think he's 8-7 in front. But I don't play now until Thursday night so hopefully I can get some rest
and sort myself out health-wise.”
Selby fired some outstanding snooker shots to compile terrific breaks of 52, 82, 139 and 63 during the match up to oust the Chinese cueman 5-0.
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