England’s Mark Selby survives a close encounter against Sam Baird in Round 1: 2012 Welsh Open
World Number one, England’s Mark Selby dealt with tough resistance from the young Sam Baird in their first-round match of 2012 Welsh Open and secured victory by the score line of 4-3 after a close encounter. The Englishman was at the brink of tumbling down
to the youngster but he managed to get back into the game and survive a close scare from his challenger.
Devon’s 23-year-old Sam Baird showed excellent snooker skills at the Newport Centre against the Leicester potter, Selby, but was not able to defeat him. With some striking knocks, Baird ensured dragging the match into the decider frame where Selby overpowered
him with his marvellous game play.
The Uffculme potter surged into the first round of the tournament after displaying a remarkable performance against the local favourite, Dominic Dale with an easy score line 4-2. Before facing one of the toughest opponents in world snooker, Baird was a bit
nervous but he did not shake and hoped for a chance that would take him into a winning position.
Earlier, the World Number 82 after beating Dale had said, “I hope Mark Selby gives me a chance, and if he does I'll give him a game. I've got some momentum now.”
He did get his chance and he cashed it terrifically but Selby ended his hopes of winning the match in the decider frame. At 2-1, when Selby was leading the game, Baird sprang back and snatched the lead from Selby by 2-3 with stunning knocks of 59, 64 and
85. After pulling level at 3-3, Selby dragged the contest into the decider frame which he won quite easily to claim the game victory.
“I didn't win the match, Sam lost it,” explained the Jester from Leicester. “He had chances, and if he had won 4-2 I would have stood here and praised him because I didn't think I did that much wrong. Even though I won 4-3 he played better than me. I'm struggling
a bit at the moment - I got to the quarter-finals in Germany but I've still got a lot of work to do on my game.”
Selby’s next match will be against compatriot Martin Gould in Round 2 at the Newport Centre arena.
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