Mark Selby faces Barry Hawkins in 2012 Wuxi Classic tournament: 2012-13 Snooker Season
During the final proceedings of the 2011-12 Snooker Season, the World Number one England’s Mark Selby suffered from a neck injury and had to pull out of the 2012 China Open snooker tournament when he set up the 2012 Welsh Open event winner Ding Junhui clash
in the second round. The injury was sudden and Selby had no option but to let it go and get treatment first.
After that he got some treatment and appeared in the 2012 World Snooker Championship where he faced the winner of the 2012 Snooker Shootout tournament, compatriot Barry Hawkins who defeated him by the score line of 10-3 in the opening round. However, Selby
is aiming to make an appearance in the 2012-13 Snooker Season, which is starting with the commencement of the 2012 Wuxi Classic.
Coincidentally, the World Number one will be up against Hawkins in the first round of the 2012 Wuxi Classic event at the Wuxi Sports Center in Wuxi, China. Selby is aiming to make a strong start in the new season and he has got a chance as he can avenge
his World Snooker Championship defeat against Hawkins showing tremendous potting skills.
About his match against Hawkins, Selby wrote on his official website, “I’ve hardly picked up a cue since end of season because I had to rest and let my neck heal, but I feel in good shape for my first-round match against Barry Hawkins on Monday. Funny how
the draw works out, that I’m playing Barry again.”
The Jester from Leicester added, “I wasn’t fit when we played at the Crucible, but that doesn’t take anything away from Barry, he is more than capable of beating anyone in the game. But I definitely feel I’m fitter and better equipped this time and, hopefully,
I can redress the balance.”
Since Selby is defending the Wuxi Classic title that he clinched last year beating Ali Carter, he must be mentally prepared for Hawkins clash because Hawkins has a good track record against him and can give him a real tough time during the match up. Selby
has faced Hawkins five times during his snooker career but has won against him two times only which gives Hawkins a psychological advantage over him.
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