Mark Selby

Premier League: I'll be back

Wed Jun 17 01:37PM

I recently learned that I have not been invited to play in the Premier League next season, which is obviously disappointing.

I very much enjoyed playing in the event last year and reached the final, but my exclusion just makes me all the more determined to practise hard and make sure I will be in it next season.

It also serves to highlight how important a tournament the Championship League is becoming.

There is good money to be made in that event and the ultimate prize is a place in the Premier League and all the rewards which go with that.

I reached the final of that event last season too but lost to Judd Trump, so he goes into the Premier League and I'll have to miss out for a year.

Like the recent Jiangsu Classic I played in China, the Championship League involves a number of short group matches. They are high-pressure events, but I just have to make sure I'm ready for them next time.

+++

There have been some reports of a new snooker game show being developed called 'Step Up to the Rocket' which would involve Ronnie O'Sullivan and other professionals.

I have not heard anything about this personally, but I think it would be a great thing to help reignite the popularity of the sport.

I think a lot of us remember Big Break: I was a big fan of that show and actually appeared on it twice as a junior.

It would be great to see the top snooker players on television every week - and it would help bring across our personalities as we could be a lot more relaxed and jokey than we are able to be during the World Championship or any other major event.

+++

The official snooker season has been over for a while but it is only now that things are starting to slow down for me.

I had an exhibition in Germany last week and have another this week, but then I might finally get to spend some time at home.

I moved house not so long ago but it seems like I'm never there! There are few things to do in the house but hopefully I'll finally get round to them this summer.

I also want to try and improve my golf game. I've only recently started playing and I'm not very good. I also plan to squeeze in a couple weeks away with my girlfriend.

So the snooker might slow down - but I'll certainly be kept busy.

Comments1 - 11 of 11

rofl... congratulations on the house! Hope you get to spend a little more time in it!
From eminem1girl on Wed Jun 17 04:03PM
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Mark Selby not invited to play in Premier League? Very disappointing. Selby for me is one of the few players that look like they are playing well every time I see them.
From reinisdonins on Wed Jun 17 05:48PM
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That's true! I also think he should have been invited... after all, he's the big shot among the "boys" in snooker.
From eminem1girl on Wed Jun 17 05:52PM
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I'm wondered who "pushed" Mark out of the Premier League...
From edemrulez on Thu Jun 18 07:50AM
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how in the name of god is the great mark selby not invited into pl??? ahh ya sure get the boring old slow players and ruin the sport completely!!!! mark,ronnie,john higgins and juinhi (more so asia market reasons) should be sure picks everytime....................................
From www.conburke on Thu Jun 18 09:22AM
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Edemrulez I have similar thoughts!
Anyway for me PL 2009 will certainly lack excitement as I nearly fell asleep just reading a good half of the names included lol
From elaine.8888 on Thu Jun 18 04:33PM
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lol, nice one Elaine
I was *outraged* a few weeks ago when I heard - I still am now!!!!
From verytee on Thu Jun 18 06:14PM
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Dear Mark!
I congratulate you heartily on your BIRTHDAY!
Many happy returns of the day to you!
Be happy and successful!
Ioulia
From ioulia.ioulia on Fri Jun 19 08:19AM
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Happy Birthday!
Wish you to be happy, healthy, wealthy and wise!
From blueberry9 on Fri Jun 19 03:18PM
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Happy Birthday Mark!
All the best wishes for you! Keep healthy und happy and also good luck for you golf game!
From snookdog24 on Fri Jun 19 05:04PM
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mark it is obviously disapointing for you and all your fans that you havnt been invited to play in the premier league but you should think of the positives that will come out of this. i am one of your greatest fans and when i watched you last season i felt that you were trying for shots that you wouldnt normally and this sometimes costed you a match. i think that is because you played in the premier league and you game changed but i hope that you have a great year next season in the 6 tournaments
From josh.millington1993 on Mon Jul 06 01:49AM
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