Selby relishing return to York for UK championship defence
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Mark Selby insists his hunger for snooker's biggest titles remains as strong as ever as he sets his sights on more Triple Crown glory, starting with the defence of his UK Championship crown in York later this month.
Selby has made the sport's three most prestigious tournaments – the UK Championship, Masters and World Championship – his principal targets as he seeks to add further silverware to his glittering collection. And he is relishing a return to the York Barbican, where the first Triple Crown event of the season promises another nine days of world-class snooker and high drama.
"Every season now, I set myself a goal of trying to win one of them because I think that's what sets the bar when people look back at your career," said the 43-year-old Leicester cueman.
It's the same with tennis, with Djokovic, Federer and all of them. Our game is no different. I'm always trying to pinch one of those three titles if possible. In the build-up I always try to increase my practice a little bit to give myself the best chance possible.
The UK Championship runs from November 28 to December 6 with the top 16 seeds to be joined by 16 qualifiers to battle for the historic title at the event which was first staged in 1977. Once again the field will be packed with snooker’s all-time greats. Tickets are still available from just £30 and there are also amazing VIP packages in the 1875 Club for a bucket-list experience. For all ticket details click here.
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Selby captured the UK crown last year with a thrilling 10-8 victory over Judd Trump, his third triumph in York having won the title in 2012 and 2016. Now he is determined to repeat that success at a venue which holds some of his fondest memories.
It's always special to go to a Triple Crown event as defending champion. Going back to York, it's a great venue, a great tournament and a great city. I can't wait to get back there. It's definitely one of the best venues we've played in.
Most Triple Crown Titles
- Ronnie O’Sullivan 23
- Stephen Hendry 18
- Steve Davis 15
- Mark Selby 10
- John Higgins 9
- Mark Williams 7
Looking back on last year’s final, he added: "I felt like I played faultlessly to go 5-0 up. Towards the back end of the match, because I felt so good about my game and everything was coming easily, I switched off a little bit.
"Judd is one of those players who thrives on momentum. When he started winning a few frames, you could see his confidence growing.
"Before you know it, it's 9-8 and you've put yourself under pressure. I remember making a good break in the last frame, when it looked like Judd had all the momentum."
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The victory reinforced Selby's place among the sport's all-time greats, but his appetite for further success remains undiminished. And he is encouraged by his performances in the opening months of the new campaign. He won the China Open in August, then reached the final of the British Open, and currently tops the 2026/27 season rankings.
"My season so far has been good. I can't complain as far as my form goes. I've been playing some good stuff," he said. "I've only really had one ropey tournament, which was in Northern Ireland, but other than that I can't complain about the way the season has gone. Hopefully I can just continue playing like that."